Central Methodist blocked an extra-point attempt from Missouri Baptist with under three minutes left to play to maintain a one-point lead and hold on for the 14-13 win in front of a boisterous Homecoming crowd.

The kick would have tied the game at 14-14. The kick actually split the uprights, but the Spartans were flagged for a false start on the initial attempt. After backing up five yards for a second try, CMU defensive lineman Myron Page Jr. got his hand on the ball, perseving the Eagles’s one-point lead.

Central kept the ball on the ground for its final possession, picking up a crucial first down on a rush by Zakai Anderson and forcing Missouri Baptist to call its final timeout. Quarterback Jordan Rowe then scrambled for four yards, burning enough time off the clock for the Eagles to finish in victory formation.

Central is now 3-6 on the year and 1-3 in Heart South Division play. MBU falls to 2-6 and 0-4 in the division. 

CMU’s defense and special teams stepped up when needed and played a tremendous part in the victory. 

After forcing a missed field goal on the opening drive of the game, Central gained possession at the 20-yard line. Anderson promptly rushed for 26 yards on the first two plays, putting the ball at the 46-yard line. After Rowe connected with receiver Tobias Williams for an 11-yard gain, the Eagles held the ball at the 43-yard line. Facing second-and-10, Rowe scampered 43 yards for the early touchdown. Cristobal Salgado's extra point extended the advantage to 7-0. 

The Spartans tied the game early in the second quarter on a two-yard rush.

Later in the period, Central drove the ball to the opposing 45-yard line. However, CMU was stopped on fourth-and-two. The visitors moved the ball to the 32-yard line, but the Eagles' special teams forced another missed field goal, this time from 50 yards out. 

Midway through the third quarter, Missouri Baptist went for it on fourth-and-14 from the 36-yard line. Avion Bass registered a seven-yard sack on the play, giving the Eagles' possession. 

Late in the third frame, the visitors gained possession and moved into the red zone. On third-and-two from Central's 13-yard line, Bass stepped in front of a pass and returned it 87 yards for a touchdown. Salgado's extra point proved to be the difference in the game as converted, making it 14-7.

James Harris led the defense with 10 tackles, while Maximus Fonoti-Maikui had seven. Peyton Hoover had six stops, including two for loss. Bass had an interception and 2.5 sacks in the victory. Ayden Stricklin forced a fumble while Page Jr. recovered one. 

The Eagles remain home Saturday to host William Woods for a 1 p.m. kickoff on Senior Day. Central concludes the season in Baldwin City, Kan., next week against Baker University. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.