FAYETTE, Mo. – A second half turnaround helped stem a slow start as the Central Methodist University football team handled business against Peru State College on Saturday afternoon.
The Eagles trailed 14-3 at the intermission, but a string of 33 unanswered points sealed the win after the break. Katavious Taylor (JR/Memphis, Tenn.) led the way with three touchdowns, recording 214 reception yards on eight attempts. Jordan Williams (SR/Memphis, Tenn.) threw for 269 yards while walking in two touchdowns on the ground. Kaylon Johnson (SR/Memphis, Tenn.) led the squad on the ground with 99 total rushing yards on 23 attempts.
Peru State got on the board first after walking into the end zone at the conclusion of an 8-play drive. Central couldn't secure a touchdown on their opening drive, but was able to cut the deficit after Samuel Petrin (SO/Bunnell, Fla.) placed a 38-yard field goal attempt through the uprights. The Bobcats scored their final points of the evening in the second quarter on a short rush.
The Eagles opened the second half of play with a hasty march down the field when Williams connected with Taylor on a 20-yard toss in the first two minutes of play. The duo would connect again to finally push the Eagles ahead with seven minute remaining in the third after a 28-yard heave. Williams tiptoed into the end zone just three minutes later to close a 5-play drive that spanned 93 yards. Both players scored again in the final frame to close out the win.
The Central Methodist defense was stellar in the second half, plugging the holes for Peru State's heavy rush attack. Mar'quess Daniels (JR/Trumbull, Conn.) and Jory Maddox (JR/Palmyra, Mo.) lead the team with 12 tackles each followed by Dalton King (SR/Fredericktown, Mo.) and Anthony Hernandez (JR/Franklin, Calif) with 10 apiece. Defensive captain Malcolm Elmore (SR/Higginsville, Mo.) recorded a 65-yard interception to end a threatening drive in the second half.
Central will get a week of rest before hosting Missouri Valley on Saturday, October 19th, for Homecoming. Kickoff for the highly anticipated showdown is set for 2 PM on Davis Field.
