Baldwin City, Kan. - The Central Methodist University football team fell to Heart South Division foe Baker University, 40-7, Saturday afternoon in Baldwin City, Kan.
With the loss, Central moves to 3-4 and 1-2 in conference play, while Baker improves to a perfect 4-0 overall and 2-0 in Heart action.
The Wildcats jumped in front early, scoring 14 points on a two-yard rushing touchdown and a 38-yard interception returned for a touchdown in the first quarter. Leading 14-0, the Wildcats punted and pinned the Eagles deep at their own one-yard line. One play later, Baker tackled Central in the endzone for a safety, pushing their lead to 16-0. BU scored again on an 81-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 23-0.
The Central offense responded on the next possession with an 11-play 75-yard scoring drive. The longest drive of the day for the Eagles' was capped by a four-yard TD pass from freshman quarterback Paxton DeLaurent to Kooper Wilson. It marks the first touchdown pass of DeLaurent's career and the first TD reception of the season for Wilson.
Coming out of the half leading 23-7, the Wildcats scored an additional 17 points on a field goal, a rushing touchdown, and a touchdown through the air, making the final score 40-7.
DeLaurent completed 12-of-24 passes for 94 yards and a touchdown pass in the second quarter. Katavious Taylor led the receiving core with three catches for 49 yards including a long of 21. Kristopher Williams pulled in five receptions for 38-yards.
Khari Henley, London Chambers and Erik Mays led the defense with nine tackles each. Mays also added a tackle for loss. Mar'quess Daniels followed closely behind with eight tackles including two for loss. Linebacker Anthony Hernandez also recorded his first career interception early in the fourth quarter.
Central will play in its final road contest of the year against Evangel on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 1:00 p.m. in Springfield, Mo. The Eagles stunned the Crusaders last season in Fayette, coming away with a convincing 42-7 victory.
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