FAYETTE, Mo. – The Central Methodist University football team hosted William Penn University on Saturday evening at Davis Field.

"Effort and execution were the key again in this win. I'm proud of our guys," said Head Coach David Calloway. "We fought all the way to the end and it was a good 60-minute effort."

The Eagles pulled off an exciting upset over the Statesmen in front of a packed Hall of Fame Game crowd, securing a 20-13 win over William Penn for the first time since 1996.

Central Methodist struck early in the first three minutes to take the lead. After an eight-play drive, Dante Vandeven (SR/Jackson, Mo.) found Garan Evans (SR/Cape Girardeau, Mo.) streaking through the end zone for a 31-yard touchdown.

Kaylon Johnson (JR/Memphis, Tenn.), appearing in his first game back from injury in two weeks, rushed for a 24-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Vandeven threw a 24-yard pass to Cory Luke (SO/Stanberry, Mo.) to ice the game for the Eagles, since neither team would score in the second half.

Vandeven had 318 passing yards and two touchdowns on the game, completing 21-of-31 attempts. Katavious Taylor (SO/Memphis, Tenn.) secured nine catches for 129 yards, while Johnson led the rushing game with 43 yards. Damontay Allen (JR/Conway, Ark.) also snagged five catches and 83 yards.

Darius Henton (SR/Stockton, Calif.) led the defensive assault with 13 tackles, followed by Luis Bello (JR/Miami, Fla.) (11), Dalton King (JR/Fredericktown, Mo.) (9), Travis Burris (SR/Jefferson City, Mo.) (8), and Brice Walker (SO/Dickinson, Texas) (8). King was also in on 2.5 sacks for 17 yards.

The win moves the Eagles to 2-2 on the season. William Penn drops to 2-3 overall, 2-1 in conference. Central Methodist will return to action on Sept. 29 to host Graceland University for the 2018 Homecoming game.