Olathe, Kan. - The Central Methodist football team pushed its win streak to three games, defeating Heart South Division foe MidAmerica Nazarene, 41-24 Saturday afternoon in Olathe, Kan.
With the win, CMU improves to 6-2 and 2-0 in the South, while the Pioneers fall to 2-6 and 0-2 in conference action. It marks the first time since the 2014 season that the Eagles have won six games in a season.
Central found themselves down early after the MNU defense returned an interception 85 yards for a pick six score. This put the Eagles in a 7-0 hole four minutes into the first quarter.
CMU would respond however on the ensuiing drive, going 68 yards in 10 plays and finishing off the drive on a 17-yard touchdown pass from Paxton DeLaurent to Armand Keely to even the score at 7-7.
The Pioneers scored 14 unanwered points to take a 21-7 lead over the Eagles with 14:48 left in the second quarter. Central responded with three second quarter touchdowns, beginning with a 29-yard touchdown pass from DeLaurent to All-American wide reciever Katavious Taylor.
On their ensuiing possession, the Eagles drove 89 yards in 14 plays, capped by a two-yard run from Brandon Bolton to even the game at 21-21 with under six minutes left in the half.
Both teams would exchange field goals in the final 1:30 for a 24-24 halftime knot.
Central's defense shut down the Pioneers' offense in the second half, not allowing a single point and only 25 minutes of time of possession for the game.
The Eagles opened the third quarter with 10 points, highlighted by a one-yard touchdown run from DeLaurent and a 20-yard field goal from Samuel Petrin. Central put the finishing touches on the game in the fourth with a two-yard touchdown run from Manuyl Langlois to seal the deal.
Central's offense possessed the ball for almost 35 minutes and finished the afternoon with 480 total yards. The Eagles averaged 6.2 yards/play and 221 yards on the ground. DeLaurent finished the day completing 18-of-37 passes for 259 total yards including two touchdowns. He also carried the ball eight times for 47 yards including a one-yard touchdown run.
Langlois led the ground attack with 80 yards rushing on 17 carries including a long of 30. Taylor led the receiving core with six catches for 102 yards and a touchdown reception.
On the defensive side of the ball, London Chambers tallied eight total tackles including a sack, while Erik Mays, Mar'Quess Daniels, and Will Miles all collected six. Miles also recorded two sacks as did Robert Rogers.
The duo of Anthony Hernandez and Brandon Molinari each picked up an interception. Sam Petrin finished the afternoon a perfect five-for-five on extra points and converted both of his field goal attempts.
Central returns home to host Missouri Valley College Satuday, Oct. 30 at 2:00 p.m. for Homecoming.
The Eagles have won the past three meetings against the Vikings dating back to the 2018 season.
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