William Jewell Cardinal football battled the warm temperatures and Division I FCS Drake University on Saturday night, dropping a 44-30 opener on the road.

The Cardinals trailed the entire night, but cut the lead to just six points with 12:50 left in the game when Nick West connected with Cody Edwards for a 22 yard touchdown pass. West was 24-40 in the game for 205 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.

Drake took control at that point, however, scoring two touchdowns and adding a two-point conversion to pull away late.

Special teams played a factor in the game, with the Cardinals blocking a punt, recovering a fumbled punt, and scoring on Anthony Mullins 97 yard kickoff return in the third quarter. Zane Kitchell averaged 43.8 yards on five punts, and Brandon Womack kicked a 40 yard field goal.

Isaac Dozier also had an interception for the Cardinals. Offensively, Trey Mask carried the ball 23 times for 114 yards and a 29 yard touchdown. Mullins had 68 yards receiving.

On defense, Nick Messer had 14 total tackles and Parker Wood nine.

The Cardinals play at home against nationally ranked Colorado School of Mines at noon next Saturday.

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