Fayette, Mo. – The Central Methodist University Eagles football team dropped their first Heart of America Athletic Conference South Division game on Saturday afternoon, to the visiting 13th ranked Missouri Valley College Vikings at Davis Field. The game aired live on ESPN3.
With the loss, Central Methodist University falls to 1-6 overall, and 0-1 in The Heart's Southern Division. With the victory, the 13th ranked Vikings improve to 6-1 overall, and 1-0 in The Heart's Southern Division.
The historic rivalry between Missouri Valley College and Central Methodist University hit the national stage on Saturday afternoon. The two schools; which are located just 39 miles apart from one another, squared off on the gridiron in front of a national audience.
The 13th ranked Vikings struck first Saturday, blocking Central's punt attempt following their first drive. MVC then stormed down the field for a 17 yard touchdown pass for a 7-0 lead.
Following the next CMU offensive drive, on another Eagles' punt attempt, the snap went over the head of CMU punter Jade Taggart (SO/Ashland, Mo.), resulting in a safety; giving the Vikings a 9-0 lead.
In the second quarter, Missouri Valley scored yet again, on a 29 yard touchdown pass to extend their lead to 16-0. On the next play, CMU's Tommie Smith (SO/Lexington, Mo.) returned the kickoff 100 yards to put the Eagles on the board. However, kicker Raul Palacios (SO/Milan, Mo.) missed the PAT and the score sat at 16-6 in favor of Missouri Valley.
The Vikings struck for two more scores before halftime; one field goal and another touchdown to extend their lead to 26-6.
Following a scoreless third quarter of play, MoVal would tack on two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter to extend their lead to 40-6.
Eagles quarterback Caleb Bedford (JR/Houston, Tex.) then hooked up with Keenan Honore (SR/Anchorage, Alaska) for a 38 yard touchdown pass to make it 40-13. Central wouldn't score again and fell by that very margin.
In the losing effort, Bedford finished 20-for-41 passing, for one touchdown and one interception. Keenan Honore finished with three receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown, while fellow receiver Adam Weiland (SR/Sullivan, Mo.) finished with seven catches for 89 yards.
Central Methodist hits the road next weekend, as they travel south to Springfield, Missouri to square off against Evangel University. It is the Crusader's homecoming game, which is scheduled to begin at 4:30pm.
For more information about Central Methodist University athletics, visit http://www.cmueagles.com. Follow CMU athletics on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cmathletics and on Twitter twitter.com/cmueagles.
