Lamoni, Iowa - The Central Methodist Football program fell short in a tight contest with Graceland University by a final score of 26-20 Saturday night in Lamoni, Iowa.
The Eagles now stand 0-4, while the Yellowjackets improve to 2-2.
Graceland jumped out in front with a 10-play 51-yard drive which was capped by a one-yard rushing touchdown. However, the Yellowjackets missed the extra point and only held a 6-0 lead at the 6:00 mark of the first quarter.
Graceland looked to pad its lead early in the second quarter on a 36-yard field goal attempt. Senior defensive back Erik Mays came off the edge and blocked the kick. The ball was recovered by Anthony Johnson and returned for a 73-yard touchdown. Following the extra point, the Eagles took a 7-6 with 11:41 remaining in the second.
Central would hold the 7-6 lead heading into halftime. Graceland jumped back in front on their second drive of the third quarter with a 92-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Cade Ross to Gerald Monroe. The Yellowjackets looked for the two-point conversion to go up by seven, but failed and lead only 12-7.
On the ensuing possession, Central drove 58 yards in 10 plays, capping the drive with a 27-yard touchdown pass from Matthew Luna to Hunter Hogue on fourth and seven. Following the extra point, CMU regained the lead, 14-12.
The Yellowjackets answered on the following drive, this time via a two-yard rushing touchdown by Ross. Upon completion of the two-point conversion, Graceland held a 20-14 lead with 2:46 left in the third.
Central opened the fourth quarter with a 12-yard touchdown pass from Luna to Arron Edwards to tie the game at 20-20. However, the Eagles were unable to convert the extra point and the score remained deadlocked at 20-20.
The next four drives for both teams stalled as the defenses anchored down. However, Graceland was able to break through just before the two-minute mark on a two-yard touchdown pass. Once again the extra point attempt was missed and Central only trailed 26-20.
CMU was able to get to Graceland's 38-yard line with just seconds remaining, but were unable to reach the endzone as time expired.
Luna had his best day this season, completing 50-percent of his passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns. AJ Allen led the receiving core with two catches for 87 yards. Edwards picked up four receptions for 26 yards including a touchdown catch. Hogue's lone catch of the day was a dandy 27-yard touchdown reception on fourth and seven early in the third quarter.
Davion Stockard led the defense with 11 total tackles including one tackle for loss. Le'Marcus Washington racked up 10 tackles followed by Lontas Mcclintion with eight. KeShawn Wilson recorded his first career interception as an Eagle midway through the first quarter.
CMU returns home to host Culver-Stockton College Saturay Sept. 24 at 1:00 p.m. at Davis Field as part of Family weekend.
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