The Lindenwood football team (6-6, 5-3 OVC-Big South) won the Game Ball Brawl trophy for the second straight year after defeating SEMO (4-8, 3-5 OVC-Big South) 30-13 on Saturday in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

GAME OVERVIEW
After both teams traded defensive stops to begin the game, Lindenwood got good field position and started at the 50-yard line. The Lions took advantage and scored in six plays, capped off by a one-yard rush from Nate Glantz on fourth down, which put the Black and Gold up 7-0, which would be the score after one.

Lindenwood added a field goal early in the second quarter after Will Graham connected from 37 yards out to give the Lions a 10-0 lead with 8:13 to go in the half. A few possessions later, Carter Johnson picked up his first interception of the year. In the first half, Lindenwood held SEMO to just two first downs and 49 offensive yards as the Black and Gold led 10-0 at the break.

The Lions began the second half with a stop on defense and started its offensive possession with a flea flicker that drew a penalty. One play later, Jared Rhodes ran up the middle for 35 yards, putting the ball at the SEMO five-yard line. A few plays later, Glantz found the end zone for the second time on the day with the quarterback keeper, giving the Lions a 16-0 lead. The Redhawks would get on the board just before the end of the quarter, but Lindenwood still led 16-6 after three.

A great return by Jayden Patrick gave Lindenwood good field position in SEMO territory to begin the fourth. During the drive Glantz found Drew Krobath for a big third down conversion. One play later, Hall scored from seven yards out, putting the Black and Gold up 23-6. The Redhawks cut the deficit to 23-13 with just over seven minutes to go in the game. Following a Lindenwood punt, the defense came up with a bug stop once again with t turnover on downs.

Just two plays later Rhodes sealed the deal with Lindenwood's fourth rushing touchdown of the day, putting the Lions up 30-13. For the second consecutive year, the Lions won the Game Ball trophy.

GAME LEADERS
Jared Rhodes (16 carries, 87 yards, one TD)
Steve Hall (13 carries, 57 yards, one TD)
Nate Glantz (13-22, 127 yards, two rushing touchdowns)