Peru, Neb. - The No. 18 Central Methodist football team fell in its road debut to Peru State College 24-0 Saturday night in Peru, Neb. 

With the defeat, Central falls to 0-2 on the early season, while the Bobcats improve to 1-1.

It was a battle for field position in the opening quarter of play, as neither team was able to push the ball across the goal line. At the 13:03 mark of the second quarter, with Central pinned deep in their own territory, a blocked punt by Peru at the one-yard line was recovered in the endzone for the first score of the game. 

Peru would push its lead to 14-0 on a 10-play 65-yard drive, ending with 17-yard rushing touchdown with 5:30 left in the second quarter. The Bobcats extended their lead to 21-0 on their first drive of the third quarter on a six-yard slant. 

The final score of the game was a 30-yard field goal late in the third, making the final score 24-0 in favor of Peru. 

Kelton Whitehead led the rushing attack for Central, rushing the ball 10 times and averaging 3.4 yards/carry including a long of 20. Quarterback Matthew Luna averaged 4.1 yards/rush on eight carries. 

The duo of Hunter Houge and Aaron Edwards each recorded two receptions. On the defensive side of the ball, senior linebacker Davion Stockard finished the evening with 11 tackles. Lontas McClinton, Cameron Essick, and Nolan Cobbs each recorded eight tackles. 

Senior defensive back Erik Mays recorded an interception on a goal line stand by CMU early in the fourth quarter. 

Central returns home to host Clarke University Saturday, Sept. 10 at 1:00 p.m. at Davis Field. 

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