DUBUQUE, Iowa — It was the inaugural game for the Clarke football program on Saturday afternoon and Central Methodist crashed the party in front of an ESPN3 audience. After squandering the first points of the game, the Eagles responded with 35 unanswered points to end the first half en route to a 49-19 victory.
The Eagles used their defense to create momentum and forced four turnovers, including a 40-yard interception return for a touchdown by Mar'quess Daniels (JR/Trumbull, Conn.) with less than a minute remaining in the first half. Daniels, in his first game for Central, also forced a fumble to go along with 11 tackles.
Anthony Hernandez (JR/Franklin, Calif) led the defense with 12 tackles on the afternoon. Colton Skyles (JR/Ava, Mo.) and Brandon Molinari (SO/Warrenton, Mo.) also created huge turnovers for the defense, with Skyles forcing a fumble and Molinari snagging an interception.
Offensively, the Eagles were paced by a consistent rushing attack. Shadrach Alexander (SR/Port St. Lucie, Fla.) led the way with 68 yards rushing on 11 carries, including a one-yard touchdown run. Kaylon Johnson (SR/Memphis, Tenn.) chipped in two touchdowns on the ground, as well.
Jordan Williams (SR/Memphis, Tenn.) started the game at quarterback for the Eagles, racing for a 12-yard rushing touchdown to score the first Central points of the game. In a quarter of action, he completed 6-of-7 passes for 85 yards. Chauncey Lowman (SO/Detroit, Mich.) came on in relief to throw two touchdowns, one to Kristopher Williams (SO/Beaumont, Tex.) and one to Damontay Allen (SR/Conway, Ark.).
Kooper Wilson (SO/Versailles, Mo.) didn't find paydirt, but led the receiving corps with seven catches for 87 yards.
On special teams, Samuel Petrin (SO/Bunnell, Fla.) made all seven of his extra-point attempts and Nathan Hampton (SR/Sikeston, Mo.) booted a long punt of 56 yards and placed two inside the 20.
Next up for the Eagles is the home opener next weekend against Culver-Stockton at 6 pm. The 2019 Hairston Hall of Fame class will be recognized at halftime and the official 2019 CMU Football schedule poster will be on sale at every ticket booth.
