BOLIVAR - The Southwest Baptist University Bearcats finished the 2011 season with some great performances from players returning next season, but came up short in the contest, 24-8. Nathan Mourik lead the Bearcats receiving core with 133 receiving yards on 11 receptions including the Bearcats only touchdown.


The Bulldogs jumped out early on the Bearcats, leading 24-0 in the fourth quarter before Dan Connors hit Mourik with a 20 yard touchdown pass to get SBU on the scoreboard. Connors would hit Derwyn Lauderdale for the 2-point conversion to bring the score 24-8. The Bearcats would continue to move the ball in the fourth quarter, but couldn't find the end zone as they ultimately came up short 24-8 in the game.


Connors once again topped the 300 yard passing mark, throwing for 318 yards and one touchdown. Mourik lead the SBU receivers with 11 receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown, and Marcus Sullivan had a great final game as a Bearcat, hauling in four receptions for 115 yards and the 2-point conversion.


On the defensive side of the football the Bearcats Zach Moore was the leading tackler with 9 tackles, followed by Kourtney Bennett with 8, and 7 by Austin Otwell. Dexter native Glen Johnson had a solid final game for the Bearcats, seeing extensive time at his defensive end position and making several key plays throughout the game.



The Bearcats end the 2011 season with solid production from players returning next year in key positions as they are set to move back into the MIAA next season. The Bearcats will open up the 2012 season when they travel to Truman State for another match-up with the Bulldogs.

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Southwest Baptist University is a four-year evangelical Christian university that was established in 1878. The main campus is located about 30 minutes north of Springfield, Missouri, in Bolivar, a town of approximately 10,000 people.

DHS alum Glen Johnson is a defensive lineman for the Bearcats.

For more information on SBU Bearcat Athletics, visit sbubearcats.com.