FAYETTE, Mo. — After falling behind Culver-Stockton 13-0 at halftime, the Central Methodist football team scratched and clawed its way all the way back to force overtime only to fall short after a late interception on Saturday night.

After winning the overtime coin flip, the Eagles elected to play defense first. Culver-Stockton found the end zone on its possession, putting all the pressure on Central to respond. The Eagles picked up a first down on its possession, but an interception sealed the loss.

Kaylon Johnson (SR/Memphis, Tenn.) found paydirt from four yards out for the only Central touchdown on their first possession after halftime. It's his third touchdown of the season.

The Central Methodist defense held Culver-Stockton scoreless during the second half, allowing the offense time to find its rhythm and get back in the game.

After sitting out the first quarter, Jordan Williams (SR/Memphis, Tenn.) provided that rhythm under center, leading the Eagles with 190 yards passing to go along with 60 rushing yards. Kooper Wilson (SO/Versailles, Mo.) caught 12 passes for 86 yards to lead the receiving corps.

Khari Henley (JR/Fort Worth, Tex.) led the defense with 11 tackles. Mar'quess Daniels (JR/Trumbull, Conn.) picked up the Eagles' only sack. Trevor Ganaway (SO/Marceline, Mo.) and Dalton King (SR/Fredericktown, Mo.) led the way with 1.5 tackles for loss.

In a tight game, special teams was crucial. Samuel Petrin (SO/Bunnell, Fla.) made two field goals, including a game-tying 43-yarder with just over two minutes left in regulation. Nathan Hampton (SR/Sikeston, Mo.) placed five punts inside the 20-yard line to keep the Wildcats' offense on its heels.

Central Methodist outgained Culver-Stockton, 352-330. They also held the advantage in first downs, 25-19.

Next up for the Eagles is a road trip to take on No. 12 Grand View next Saturday at 12 pm.