Fayette, Mo. - The Central Methodist University football team won its second consecutive game of the year, defeating William Penn by a score of 14-12 Saturday afternoon at Davis Field. The game was also the finale to CMU's homecoming festivities, as the homecoming court was crowned at halftime.
With the win, the Eagles improve to 2-0 overall while William Penn falls to 1-1. Central Methodist opens up the season 2-0 for the first time since 2004.
After a scoreless first half, the Eagles jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the third quarter. The spark was ignited when William Penn's quarterback fumbled the ball inside his own 15, and senior linebacker Jory Maddox scooped up the loose ball, running to the endzone for the touchdown.
The Eagles lone offensive touchdown of the day came with less than three minutes remaining in the third quarter, as quarterback Jalen Brown connected with 2019 All-American wide receiver Katavious Taylor for a 12-yard touchdown.
William Penn would have an answer in the fourth, scoring twice. However, a blocked PAT, blocked field goal and a two-point conversion stop by the Eagles' special teams proved to be the difference, as CMU edged William Penn 14-12. The Statesmen had the final possession and were looking for the go-ahead score before Erik Mays recorded the game-winning sack with just seconds remaining in the game.
The Eagle defense followed up its week one performance vs. Graceland with another solid showing. Despite giving up 300 yards of offense, Central Methodist kept the Statesmen out of the endzone through three full quarters.
Reigning Heart Defensive Player of the Week Mar'quess Daniels led the defensive unit as well as special teams. The senior from Trumbull, Conn., blocked a field goal early in the fourth quarter, recorded five tackles including two for loss and a sack. London Chambers led the Eagles with 10 tackles, two for loss, and a sack.
Jalen Brown completed 17-of-32 passes for 235 yards and one touchdown. Treyvon Hards led the receiving core on only four receptions, racking up 106 yards including a 48-yard catch as time expired in the second quarter. Shawn Simmons rushed for 59 yards on 18 attempts.
The Eagles head back on the road for a matchup against Peru State next Saturday, Oct. 3 at 1:00 p.m. in Peru, Neb.
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