Fayette, Mo. - The Central Methodist Football team opened the 2023 season at home against the Graceland University Yellowjackets Saturday night at Davis Field. 

The Eagles fell to GU by a final score of 48-7. 

Graceland jumped out to a quick 13-0 first quarter lead before adding 14 more points in the second. Central found themselves trailing 27-0 at the halftime break. 

CMU's lone scored came on a five-yard run from junior running back Kam Cole in the closing moments of the fourth. 

Senior wide receiver AJ Allen led the offense with six catches for 77 yards. The quartet of Cole, Charles Johnson, Garren Vroman, and Jordan Gile balanced Central's rushing attack with 143 combined yards on the ground. 

On the defensive side, Lontas Mcclinton led the Eagles with eight total tackles, followed by Nyjahl Vaughn, KeShawn Wilson, Dylan Holt, and Le'Marcus Washington with five each.

Devin Watson forced a fumble, with the recovery coming from Vaughn. In addition Vaughn, recorded an interception to close the third quarter. 

Central will hit the road for two games, beginning with Culver-Stockton College Saturday, Sept. 9 at 6:00 p.m. in Canton, Mo. 

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