This past Saturday, Lindenwood University Men's Rugby, hosted Arkansas State at Hunter Stadium in their first home fixture of the season, which also served as the final matchup of the Midwest Conference Fall campaign for the Lions. Both teams entered unbeaten, building anticipation for a fast, physical, high-quality contest, and the game delivered. Each side showcased sharp running rugby and a balanced kicking battle throughout. But it was Lindenwood's "never say die" mentality that proved decisive, producing 17 second-half points and securing a disciplined 33–17 victory for the Lions.
What Happened:
The first half opened at full throttle, with both teams immediately showing their intent to play fast, expansive rugby. Lindenwood's attack struck early, demonstrating clinical precision to break deep into the Arkansas State half within minutes. Sustained pressure nearly produced the opening score, but a held-up call denied the Lions their first attempt at the line. Lindenwood continued to control territory and tempo, yet Arkansas State's committed defensive stand earned a crucial penalty, allowing them to clear their lines and shift momentum back toward midfield. After a series of back-and-forth exchanges, it was Arkansas State who capitalized first, breaking through in the 17th minute to open the scoring and take a lead 0–7.
Lindenwood refused to stay on the back foot, responding immediately from the restart with renewed purpose and physicality. An Arkansas State exit kick provided the Lions with prime field position, allowing them to launch into their attacking shape and establish tempo. With direct, dominant carries up front and sharp, fluid handling from the backline, Lindenwood worked their way into dangerous territory. Their momentum paid off in the 21
st minute when
James Birley delivered a well-weighted cross-kick to the edge, finding space for the outside support. A favorable bounce landed directly in the hands of
Karsten Rice, who gathered cleanly and dove over for the Lions' opening try.
Byron Forword added the extras to level the contest. Lindenwood continued to pressure Arkansas State, forcing mistakes, climbing the penalty count, and earning a yellow card.
Byron Forword capitalized on the ill-discipline, slotting a penalty in the 32
nd minute before adding two more just before halftime, one in the 35
th minute and another on the stroke of the whistle, to send the Lions into the break with a commanding lead 16–7.
Lindenwood entered the break with momentum, anchored by clear decision-making and composure under pressure. Both teams threw everything into the opening 40 minutes, but the Lions operated with greater control and tempo. Captain
David Scanlon's calm leadership and tactical choices proved pivotal, while
Byron Forword's accurate kicking kept the scoreboard moving and the team settled. It was a poised, disciplined first half that set the platform for Lindenwood's strong position at halftime.
The second half kicked off with both teams re-energized, and Arkansas State struck first, driving through with a maul as they attempted to crack the Lions' defensive line. But Lindenwood stood firm, absorbing the pressure and forcing a turnover to reclaim control. Their response was immediate: in the 46
th minute,
Jack McAllister linked with his forwards,
Kieran Holland accurate handling put the ball in the hands of
Neil Milczarek, who powered over for the try.
Byron Forword added the conversion to extend the lead. Arkansas State answered three minutes later as a brief lapse in focus narrowed the margin, but Lindenwood quickly regrouped, even while reduced to 14men, and injected fresh energy through their bench. The momentum swung fully in their favor in the 70th minute when
Mark Barbour crashed over to stretch the lead once more. Then, in the 78th minute, and back to 15 men,
debutant Jaydyn Bartels capped off a memorable home opener with his first try in Lindenwood colors. The Lions closed out the match with authority, sealing a composed and convincing win 33–17.
In Other Action
Earlier in the day, UHSP hosted the Young Lindenwood Lions in a local matchup that highlighted emerging talent and continued to elevate the level of rugby in the St. Louis area. The long-standing relationship between the two programs was on display, with UHSP executing a smart tactical kicking plan to pin the Lions deep, while Lindenwood answered with trademark physicality and speed. The Young Lions closed their season on a strong note, securing a convincing 38–8 victory.
Coach Quote:
"The boys showed tremendous maturity today, especially in handling a high level of physicality and coming out on top in the kicking battle. Our kicking game has become a real weapon for us this season, one that consistently flips defenses and creates opportunities. I'm excited to see how we continue to refine and expand that tool as we head into the spring semester." – Assistant Coach
Stephen Duff
Player Quote:
"It's been a common theme for us this semester, but I was proud of how we handled adversity in the first half and found a way to come out on top. It showed our growth, our resilience, and the trust we have in each other."
–
Mark Barbour
What's next:
As the Lions head into Fall Break, the squad will take time to recover, reset, and close the chapter on a strong first half of the season. The focus now shifts to the spring campaign, where preparation will ramp up ahead of their first away clash against Arkansas State on February 14, 2026, in Jonesboro, AR. With renewed energy and a clear direction, Lindenwood will look to build on their momentum and elevate their performance when they return.
Score Summary:
17' Arkansas State Try 0-5
18' Arkansas State Conversion 0-7
21' Lindenwood Try Karsten Rice 5-7
22' Lindenwood Conversion Byron Forword 7-7
25' Arkansas State Penalty kick 7-10
32' Lindenwood Penalty Kick Byron Forword 10-10
35' Lindenwood Penalty Kick Byron Forword 13-10
40' Lindenwood Penalty Kick Byron Forword 16-10
46' Lindenwood Try Neil Milczarek 21-10
47' Lindenwood Conversion Byron Forword 23-10
50' Arkansas State Try 23-15
51' Arkansas State Conversion 23-17
70' Lindenwood Try Mark Barbour 28-17
78' Lindenwood Jaydyn Try Bartels 33-17
Final Score: 33-17
