Jewell put in a strong second half of football against conference leader Truman State in Kirsksville, Missouri on Saturday, but came up short in a 31-24 Bulldog victory.

Truman State moves to 6-2 overall, and 5-0 in the GLVC; the Cardinals remain winless at 0-8, 0-5 in the conference.

The game could not have started any better for Jewell, as senior Anthony Mullins ran the opening kickoff back 99 yards for his fourth career kick return touchdown, but Truman took a 24-10 halftime lead and held the Jewell attack to just 66 yards.

Things changed a bit, however, in the second half, with junior quarterback Brad Strauss rushing fort 46 yards and taking some pressure off the pass game.  Jewell's troubles through the season inside the red zone continued against Truman State with a fourth down stop by Truman inside the five yard line, and the only turnover in the game committed by Jewell also inside the five yard line.  Darrick Strzelecki did have a 17 yard touchdown run, and Bulla Graft a 3 yard touchdown reception inside the red zone late in the game.

Graft's reception pulled the Cardinals within seven, but the onside kick attempt failed.

Brandon Womack tied a career-high with a 52 yard field goal.

Besides his kick return, Mullins also had 10 receptions for 93 yards.  Strauss was 27-37 for 238 yards with a touchdown and an interception.  Collin Heller had two sacks for Jewell.

The Cardinals are on the road next Saturday at Indianapolis.