The Central Methodist football team was edged out by Clarke University, 27-24, Saturday afternoon in Dubuque, Iowa, for the third game of the season. The Eagles are now 1-2 overall, while Clarke improves to 1-1.

Central found itself trailing 14-0 in the first quarter, following quick scoring drives from the Pride over just a two-minute span.

The Eagles cut the lead to six midway through the second quarter. Following a 15-yard completion from Joe Cambridge to AJ Allen, Kam Cole broke loose for a 40-yard rushing touchdown to put CMU on the board.

Central converted the two-point conversion on a two-yard pass from Evan Workman to Caleb Justice to make it a six-point game.

On the ensuing drive, Central’s defense forced a Pride three-and-out and pinned the special teams unit inside their own 10-yard line. That’s when CMU senior defensive back Keshawn Wilson blocked the punt. Clarke recovered the ball in its own endzone for a safety, resulting in two points for Central.

The Eagles entered the halftime break trailing Clarke 14-10.

Central took the lead for the first time in the game on their opening drive of the second half. Following a 62-yard strike to Arron Edwards, Cambridge found Quinn Whitley for an 18-yard touchdown to cap the four-play 84-yard drive.

Clarke responded on their first possession of the half, driving 75 yards in seven plays to power into the endzone on a two-yard rushing touchdown. The Pride padded its lead to 24-17 on a 31-yard field goal in the closing minutes of the third quarter. 

CU added another field goal in the fourth quarter to extend its lead to 27-17. The Eagles’ offense broke through with 3:10 remaining in the game on a 29-yard touchdown pass from Cambridge to Chase Rankin, trimming the lead to 27-24.

Central’s defense was able to get the ball back once more for the offense. But time expired before the Eagles could put together a game-winning drive. 

Cambridge finished the day going 21-of-37 for 343 yards and two touchdown passes. Edwards led the receiving core with five catches for 127 yards, followed by AJ Allen, who hauled in a team-high seven receptions for 98 yards.

The trio of Cole, Fayette’s Garren Vroman, and Charles Johnson combined for 110 yards rushing on the ground. Vroman, now a sophomore for the Eagles, picked up 39 yards on nine carries.

Lontas Mcclinton led the Central defense with nine tackles and one pass breakup. Joseph Slattery recorded eight tackles, followed by Caleb Justice with seven. Nyjahl Vaughn and Lane Moody each picked up an interception, including a 50-yard return in the second quarter for Vaughn.

The Eagles return home to host William Penn University at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Davis Field as part of Family Weekend.