Fayette, Mo. - The Central Methodist Football team picked up its first win of the year in a furious second-half comeback against Heart newcomer William Woods Saturday afternoon at Davis Field.
Central found themselves trailing 19-3 at the halftime break, before outscoring the Owls 26-3 in the final two quarters to earn a gutsy 29-22 win.
The comeback started on the opening possession of the third quarter for the Eagles, as senior quarterback Gavin Watts found Carl Robinson for a 71-yard touchdown. The extra point attempt was no good, as Central trailed William Woods, 19-9.
Central's defense held William Woods inside their own territory on their first possession, which forced an Owl's punt. CMU's offense wasted no time driving down the field, as Central used a big passing completion from Watts to Je'Von Williams for 42 yards, putting CMU just outside the red zone.
On the following play, junior running back Dawan Lomax broke through the defensive line and scampered into the endzone from 21 yards out for the score. The extra point attempt was blocked, as William Woods now held a 19-15 lead.
Each of the next two possessions did not result in any points. The Owls' final possession of the third quarter saw them drive 65 yards in 11 plays to the Central Methodist nine-yard line. Central's defense held firm, forcing three-straight incompletions and forcing the Owls to a field goal.
William Woods converted the 26-yard field goal attempt, pushing their lead to 22-15.
Central's offense continued to find its rhythm, as they used a balanced offensive attack of big pass plays and a strong running game to move inside William Woods' territory.
The drive concluded with Watts finding Drake Dudley in the back corner of the endzone for a touchdown. Oscar Simon's extra point attempt was good, tying the score up at 22-22 at the 10:36 mark of the fourth.
The Owls moved into Central territory quickly, driving to the Eagles 27-yard line. Facing a fourth and seven, William Woods elected to go for the first down as opposed to the go-ahead field goal.
Quarterback Gabe Serri's pass attempt to Troy Oliver was broken up by Joseph Daniels, as Central's defense held the Owls on downs.
Both teams exchanged empty offensive possessions before Central's offense gained possession near mid-field with just under two minutes remaining in the game.
CMU drove to the William Woods 31-yard line with 53 seconds remaining. On first and 10 at the 31, Lomax put his stamp on the game with a 31-yard touchdown into the endzone for the game-winning score.
The Owls ran out of time on their final possession, as Central's defense sealed the 29-22 win in the closing moments.
Lomax had the best day of his CMU career, carrying the ball 17 times for 134 total yards and a pair of touchdowns. The junior from Boonville, Missouri averaged nearly eight yards per carry in the win. Cristian Brice also got key carries in the second half, finishing with 69 yards on 14 carries.
Watts completed nine passes for 196 total yards and a pair of touchdowns in the win.
Defensively, Nyjahl Vaughn recorded 10 tackles with three pass breakups while Brenden Dye finished with eight.
Caleb Justice had a monster game, as the junior defensive lineman recorded three sacks. Nathaniel Smith and Y'Marius Joshlin each recorded a sack and a half.
Central will play its final road game of the year against No. 7 Benedictine College on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 1:00 p.m. in Atchison, Kan.
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