Kansas City, Mo. – The Central Methodist University Eagles football team closed out their 2016 season on a high note Saturday, with a 34-27 victory at Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri.

With the victory, Central Methodist finishes the season with a 2-9 overall record, and finish 1-4 in The Heart's Southern Division. With the loss, the Avila Eagles close out the season at 0-11 overall, and 0-5 in The Heart's Southern Division.

Saturday's contest was a mix of a back-and-fourth battle and a tale of two halves. Avila University led at halftime 17-6.

In the second half, Central Methodist outscored the Avila Eagles 28-10. The game came down to the very end. CMU scored on two of their final three possessions to claim a 34-27 lead. Avila University took over with under a minute remaining and got all the way into Central Methodist territory; thanks to a CMU penalty. Avila tried one final heave as time expired, but Central Methodist came up with the crucial stop to claim the 34-27 victory.

In the win, quarterback Caleb Bedford (JR/Houston, Tex.) led the Eagles passing 15-of-24 for 214 yards, with two touchdowns and three interceptions. Bedford also led the Eagles on the ground with 23 carries for 113 yards.

Defensively, Central was once again led by Travis Burris (SO/Jefferson City, Mo.). He finished with a team high nine tackles and also snagged one of two interceptions on the day.

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.