BOLIVAR, MO. The UTPB football team weathered lightning and a second-half bid by host Southwest Baptist to earn a 24-16 nonconference victory Saturday at Plaster Stadium.
It was the seventh straight victory for the Falcons (1-0), going back to the final game of the 2019 season. UTPB went 5-0 during the 2021 spring season.
Quarterback Clayton Roberts had a solid opener, completing 18 of 29 passes for 244 yards and two scores. He also surprised the Bearcats with a 45-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter after escaping from pressure.
Wide receiver Kobe Robinson had seven catches for 123 yards for UTPB.
Fellow wide receivers Jordan Smart and MJ Link each caught touchdown passes.
Southwest Baptist quarterback Cooper Callis was 30-of-44 passing for 289 yards and one touchdown.
He also scored a rushing touchdown, from the 7, to pull the Bearcats within one score with 1:58 to play in the game.
The Falcons host West Texas A&M at 6 p.m. on Sept. 11 at Ratliff Stadium to open Lone Star Conference play.
