Marshall, Mo. - The Central Methodist Football program picked up its first win of the 2022 season, defeating Missouri Valley College 14-9 Saturday afternoon in Marshall, Mo.
With the victory, Central improves to 1-8 and 1-2 in Heart play, while the Vikings fall to 3-6 and 0-3 in conference action. It also marks CMU's fifth-straight victory over MVC.
Missouri Valley jumped out on the scoreboard first on their opening possession of the game. The Vikings capped a six-play 65-yard drive on a eight-yard touchdown run at the 11:53 mark of the first quarter.
The next four possessions stalled for both sides late into the first. CMU then secured possession following a fourth-down stop from Central's defense at their own 24-yard line.
The Eagles' offense then went on a nine-play 76-yard scoring drive that only took three minutes of game time. The drive concluded on a 10-yard touchdown pass from Matthew Luna to Arron Edwards.
Following the made extra point attempt from Jesus Pena, Central gained a 7-6 lead late in the first. CMU's defense held the Vikings off the scoreboard for a majority of the second quarter, highlighted by a blocked field goal attempt by Le'Marcus Washington and an interception by Lontas Mcclinton to preserve the one-point lead.
The Vikings would eventually regain the lead on a 32-yard field goal late in the third quarter. Central's offense bounced back midway through the fourth, scoring on a three-yard quarterback rush from Luna to jump back out on top 14-9. The seven play, 65-yard drive took a little over three minutes of game time.
Central stalled Valley's final drive of the game, as Donald Garland closed the game out with an interception at the CMU 25-yard line.
The Eagle's offense finished the day with 296 total yards, including 17 total first downs. Luna completed 14 passes for 242 total yards and one touchdown pass. Malik Brewer led the team in rushing with 38 yards on seven carries.
Drake Dudley finished the afternoon with two recepetions for 83 yards, including a long of 64. Edwards and AJ Allen each recorded four receptions, including 70 receiving yards for Edwards and 40 for Allen.
Mcclinton led Central's defense with 14 total tackles including three tackles for loss and an interception. Davion Stockard followed with nine tackles and a pass breakup.
Washington picked up two and a half sacks and the blocked field goal attempt.
Despite having almost 10 more minutes of possession, Missouri Valley was only one-of-three on fourth down conversion and just 18-percent on third down efficiency.
Central will play its final road game of the year when they take on Baker University Saturday, Nov. 5 at 1:00 p.m. in Baldwin City, Kan.
The Eagles won last year's game in Fayette by a final score of 21-19.
#TakeFlight
