The Central Methodist University football team earned its first road victory of 2021, defeating Heart North Division foe Clarke University 31-16 Saturday afternoon in Dubuque, Iowa. 

With the win, the Eagles improve to 2-1 overall while the Pride falls to 0-3. It is the second all-time meeting between the two sides, with Central now claiming both victories.

CMU opened the game with a five-play 75-yard scoring drive, capped by a four-yard touchdown run from sophomore quarterback Paxton DeLaurent. 

Leading 7-0 in the second quarter, Central boasted another long scoring drive, covering 80 yards on six plays in a little over two minutes. The drive concluded with a 12-yard touchdown pass from DeLaurent to junior Koale Schroeder early in the second quarter. 

A 37-yard field goal from senior Samuel Petrin just five minutes later gave CMU a 17-0 advantage, which Central would carry into the halftime break. 

The Pride broke through midway through the third quarter to trim Central's lead to 17-7. CMU would ultimately respond with two touchdown drives, pushing the lead to 31-7. 

Despite giving up nine points, including a touchdown and a special teams safety, the Eagles ultimately claimed victory over the Pride 31-16.

DeLaurent finished the afternoon completing 18-of-28 passes for 230 yards including two touchdowns through the air. He also rushed for 67 yards on 15 carries including a rushing score. 

Senior running back Manuyl Langlois rushed for 44 yards on 10 carries, averaging 4.4 yards per rush paired with his first touchdown of the season in the fourth. Senior wide receiver Katavious Taylor led the receiving core with three catches for 51 yards including a long of 31. Senior Kooper Wilson collected five receptions for 51 yards, highlighted by a 13-yard touchdown catch late in the fourth. 

The duo of junior Le'Marcus Washington and senior London Chambers each collected double-digit tackles, as Washington led the defensive unit with 12 while Chambers added 10. Chambers also collected the lone sack of the day for Central. 

Both senior Brandon Molinari and junior Anthony Johnson recorded interceptions against Clarke, including the second for Molinari in as many games. 

The Eagles return home to host Graceland University Saturday, September 18 at 1 p.m. on Family Day.