FULTON, Mo. – William Woods University (1-9, 1-4 Heart) played host to Clarke University (2-8, 1-4 Heart) on a chilly day at the North Campus Athletic Complex.
In the first quarter, the Pride would get the first blow as a fumble from the Owls would set the Pride up with prime field position to find a wide-open receiver to go up 7-0 on the Owls. Woods would respond to the touchdown with an 8-play drive that ended with Quarterback
Dontae Rhodes finding tight end
Clayton Byer for a touchdown and bringing the game within one after a blocked point after.
Clarke would break the stalemate on offense as they would drive down the field to start the second quarter after an interception from Rhodes to increase their lead over the Owls 14-6. After another interception on the following drive, the Pride looked to put the game away with another touchdown, but the Woods defense would have other plans.
Clarke would fumble in their red zone, and linebacker Keeno Theadford Jr. would pick up the ball for an 87-yard return for a touchdown to bring the game within one going into halftime, with the Owls to receive the kick to start the second half.
A kickoff out of bounds would start the second half, setting the Owls up in prime field position. After a fake punt from punter
Justin Sharkey to
Donte Hicks, Rhoades would scramble on the next play for a 37-yard touchdown to give the Owls their first lead of the game, 20-14. Clarke would respond quickly with a touchdown to regain the lead 21-20 heading into the fourth quarter.
At the start of the fourth quarter, kicker
Justin Sharkey would hit a field goal from 31 yards to put the Owls ahead 23-21. After multiple stalled drives and turnovers, the Pride would score in the final minutes of the fourth to go up on the Owls 27-23. With the Owls needing a touchdown, Clarke would force an interception to walk away with the 27-23 win over the Owls.
William Woods will host Missouri Baptist at home at 1:00 p.m. for their last game of the year on Saturday.
