The old adage that, someone went to go watch a football game and a track meet broke out, hit the target last Saturday for Washburn in their first conference road game, a 45-55 loss to Central Missouri.

In what could be charitably called an offensive showcase, both the Ichabods and Central Missouri put on a dynamic show of offensive gameplanning and athletic talent.

To put the game into perspective, both teams combined for 100 points scored, 1071 yards of total offense 871 of which came in the passing game. Washburn, prior to Saturday’s game, didn’t get 1000 yards of offense until the third game of the year last week against Western Missouri.

“It was one of those games where we went back and forth with them all night long,” said Craig Schurig, Washburn head football coach. “We just have to get better at finishing games out and not running out of gas.”

Indeed after Washburn gave up the first touchdown of the game, came back with two unanswered touchdowns to take the lead 14-7 in the first quarter.

Behind another all-American performance by Joe Hastings, eight catches 151 yards and one touchdown, Washburn continued to fight throughout the second quarter as both teams exchanged touchdowns and went into the locker room tied at 21.

The second half was another offensive eruption as both teams came out swinging for the proverbial fences, exchanging touchdowns back and forth throughout the third quarter with the period ending 42-35 in favor of Central Missouri. 

Attacking with various receivers throughout the first half, the second half offense flowed through Vershon Moore, sophomore running back. Moore took to the ground scoring two touchdowns in the third quarter on the ground and then ended his highlight reel performance with a receiving touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Indeed all the backs and receivers were involved in the game as Dane Simoneau worked to distribute the ball, putting up an offensive stat line, 20-40 344 yards four touchdowns one interception that kept Washburn hanging in the game all night long.

“Our offense played well,” said Simoneau. “We just need to do a better job of putting together a complete game.”

A fact which Washburn hopes to take to heart after losing in a dramatic game that had just about every kind of offensive play that one can think of.

As for the Ichabod’s game next week against Fort Hays State University, Simoneau is looking to get better in the week leading up.

“We just need to continue to work hard in practice and come together as a team,” said Simoneau. “Right now every game is a like a playoff game for us if want to make [post season play].”