Marshall, Mo. - The Central Methodist University football team bounced back with a 23-13 victory over Missouri Valley College Saturday afternoon in Marshall, Mo. Saturday's win marks the third-straight season the Eagles have claimed victory over the Vikings.
With the win, CMU improves to 3-2 overall and 1-0 in the Heart South Division. MVC falls to 1-2 overall and 0-1 in the division.
The Eagles opened the scoring in the first quarter, as senior quarterback Jalen Brown found Katavious Taylor in the endzone for an 18-yard touchdown, giving CMU a 7-0 lead in the opening four minutes of the contest. The Vikings matched the Eagles after a forced fumble gave MVC the ball at the CMU six-yard line. Missouri Valley scored two plays later on an eight-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7. CMU would regain the lead, 10-7, at the beginning of the second quarter after a 16-play 69-yard drive, which used up 7:27 of game clock, concluded with a 23-yard field goal by Samuel Petrin.
In the second quarter, the Vikings were driving into Eagle territory, reaching the 17-yard line before sophomore defensive back Mujahid Camel intercepted the Viking quarterback to stall the drive and keep MVC off the scoreboard. After a punt by Central, Darian Bell forced the Vikings second consecutive turnover, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Brice Walker inside the 20. Three plays later, Brown dished a short pass off to running back Brandon Bolton, who then broke off four tackles on his way to the endzone for an 18-yard touchdown reception. The points off of turnovers gave the Eagles a 17-7 lead with 3:38 left in the second quarter.
The defense continued to put the Viking offense on hold, as Mar'Quess Daniels recorded his second interception of the year near midfield, giving the offense a chance to score again just before halftime. Central drove down the field and reached the Viking 19-yard line before Petrin nailed his second field goal of the day. CMU would take a 20-7 lead into the locker room.
The final two quarters continued to be dictated by the defense, as only nine points were scored between the two squads, and CMU came out victorious, 23-13. Camel recorded his second interception of the game early in the third quarter and junior defensive back Brandon Molinari sealed the win with an interception late in the fourth.
The Central Methodist defense was outstanding from start to finish, as they forced five Viking turnovers including four interceptions and a fumble. Camel led the defense with two interceptions followed by Molinari and Daniels, who each collected one. Keaton Edwards recorded seven tackles. Jory Maddox and Camel followed closely behind with six each, while Bell added a forced fumble to go along with five tackles.
Brown completed 25 of 39 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns. The Stamford, Conn. native also led the team in rushing with 69 yards on nine carries including a 31-yard scramble. Petrin converted on all three field-goal attempts and both extra points. He also punted four times for 175 total yards, averaging 43.8 yards/punt, including a long of 62.
As a unit, the offense finished the day with 286 yards of total offense, highlighted with 114 rushing yards. The defense held the Vikings to only 252 total yards and 41 yards on the ground.
CMU returns home to face Benedictine College on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 1:00 p.m. at Davis Field.
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