FAYETTE, Mo. – William Woods football earned its fifth victory of the season Saturday afternoon, defeating rival Central Methodist 23-14 at Davis Field. The Owls improved to 5-5 overall and 2-3 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play with the win.
William Woods wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, striking twice in the opening quarter. Coleson Baum connected with Jalen Becerra for a 68-yard touchdown on the Owls' opening possession. The duo connected again later in the quarter, this time for a 47-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 13-0. Becerra finished the afternoon with five receptions for 155 yards and two touchdowns.
Central Methodist responded in the second quarter, taking advantage of an interception returned for a touchdown before adding a 15-yard rushing score to take a 14-13 lead into halftime.
The Owls regained the lead in the third quarter when Baum found Makel Brown for a 10-yard touchdown. Baum added the two-point conversion on the ground, giving William Woods a 21-14 advantage.
The William Woods defense delivered a pivotal play early in the fourth quarter. With Central Methodist backed up at its own 2-yard line, Ja'Shawn Lee-Harper sacked quarterback Jordan Rowe for a two-yard loss in the end zone, resulting in a safety and extending the Owls' lead to 23-14.
The Owls added another key defensive play when Carter Holloway intercepted Rowe at the Central Methodist 44-yard line with 9:36 remaining. Jeramiah Hurd also recorded an interception as the William Woods defense continued to hold Central Methodist in check.
Holloway finished with six tackles and an interception, keeping him atop the NAIA in interceptions (7). The Owls' defense limited Central Methodist to 161 total yards, recording five sacks and two interceptions while forcing and recovering a fumble.
Baum completed 16 of 31 passes for 277 yards and three touchdowns. Becerra's two touchdown receptions also moved him into the top spot in the Heart of America Athletic Conference in touchdown receptions (9).
UP NEXT
William Woods returns home next Saturday, Nov. 14, to host MidAmerica Nazarene University for Faculty/Staff Appreciation Day and Senior Day. With a victory, the Owls would finish the season above .500 for the first time in program history.
