FAYETTE, Mo. – The Central Methodist University football team hosted Peru State College for the home opener at Davis Field on Saturday evening. The Eagles defeated the Bobcats for the first time in seven years in front of a packed Parents' Weekend crowd, 42-21.
"This was one that we had set in our sights," said Head Coach David Calloway. "They've really been bullying us every year since I've been here. We felt that if we can play with those guys, we're ready to make some noise moving forward."
The score was knotted at 0-0 at the end of the first quarter as both teams struggled to find an offensive rhythm. Peru State found the scoreboard first with 5:56 left in the first half, on a drive that stretched 99 yards.
In a high-pressure 4th and 8 situation, the Eagles responded with a 31-yard pass from Dante Vandeven (SR/Jackson, Mo.) to Katavious Taylor (SO). Central Methodist found the end zone again after a successful QB keeper by Vandeven. The Eagles entered the half with a 14-7 advantage over the Bobcats.
Central Methodist struck again early in the third quarter as Vandeven avoided pressure to complete a short pass to Shadrach Alexander (JR/Port St. Lucie, Fla.) for a touchdown, extending the lead to 21-7.
With three minutes remaining in the third quarter, Jesse Bird (SO/Gallatin, Mo.) recovered the ball for CMU after Peru mishandled a punt. On the first play following the turnover, Vandeven found Taylor again for a 44-yard bomb. Taylor shook two defenders on his way to the end zone, making the score 28-14.
Early in the fourth quarter, Vandeven and Taylor connected on another deep ball, this one a 36-yard post route to stretch the lead to 35-14. Peru State found the end zone for the final time on a 12-yard touchdown run with 6:49 remaining in the game. Peru then forced a quick three-and-out and began marching down the field. After back-to-back first downs, Darius Henton secured an interception for the Eagles to end the threat.
Central Methodist ended the scoring with Vandeven's fifth touchdown pass of the night, to his new favorite target Katavious Taylor. This would be the fourth touchdown in the game for Taylor, marking a season high.
"This wasn't just a big win, but a win against a tough ballclub like Peru State," said Calloway.
The win moves Central Methodist to 1-1 on the season. The Eagles will return to action on Sept. 15 with a trip to Des Moines, Iowa. Kickoff at Grandview is set for 12 pm.
*A full box score is currently unavailable due to software malfunctions. Stats will be available by Sunday evening.
