Orange City, Iowa - The Central Methodist football program saw its season come to a close in the first round of the NAIA-FCS playoffs, as the Eagles fell to No. 4 seeded Northwestern, 24-7 Saturday afternoon in Orange City, Iowa.
The Eagles finish their season with a 9-3 overall record, while the Red Raiders improve to 11-1 and advance to next weekend's quarterfinals.
Central's first drive of the game ended in an 53-yard interception return for a touchdown by the Red Raiders just a little over two minutes into the first.
The Eagles' got a lift from their defense in the second quarter, as senior defensive back Khari Henley recorded his fourth interception of the season, returning it 60-yards to the Red Raiders' five yard-line.
Two plays later, Heart South Freshman of the Year Paxton DeLaurent found Katavious Taylor on a five-yard touchdown pass to even the score at 7-7 early in the second.
On the ensuiing offensive possession for the Red Raiders, Northwestern drove all the way to Central's 24 yard-line and appeared prime to score. However, an errant pass in the endzone was intercepted by Brandon Molinari to stall Northwestern's drive.
The Red Raiders would ultimately take a 10-7 lead on a 25-yard field goal with just under 30 seconds remaining in the half.
Northwestern padded its lead in the opening drive of the third on a six-yard touchdown pass. The Red Raiders sealed the win with a one-yard touchdown run in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. Central's offense was unable to respond in the second half, as the Eagles ultimately fell, 24-7.
Central's defense held Northwestern's offense to a season low 24 points and just 325 total yards in the loss. The Red Raiders were averaging nearly 50 points/game in their 11 previous games.
London Chambers led the defense with 10 tackles including Central's lone sack of the game. Molinari and Henley both recorded intereceptions including a pick-six for Henley in the second quarter.
DeLaurent finished the afternoon completing 15 passes for 200 yards including a touchdown and two interceptions. He also led the rushing attack with 78 yards on 10 carries. Kooper Wilson caught two passes for 60 yards in his final game as an Eagle to lead the receiving core.
Taylor Hauled in a game-high five receptions for 55-yards including the lone touchdown of the game for CMU.
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