CANTON, Mo. — William Woods University football fell to Culver-Stockton, 34-22, Saturday night at Ellison Poulton Stadium.
The Owls opened the scoring on their first possession, driving 75 yards in 10 plays before JaQuieze Holland scored on a 2-yard touchdown run with 10:01 remaining in the first quarter. Ryan Mendoza's extra point gave William Woods a 7-0 lead.
Culver-Stockton answered in the second quarter when Connor Harris recovered a William Woods fumble for a touchdown to tie the game at 7-7. The Wildcats took their first lead of the game later in the quarter when Damian Blankenship scored on an 8-yard touchdown run. The extra point attempt was unsuccessful, leaving Culver-Stockton with a 13-7 advantage.
Adrian Pace came up big on special teams, averaging 42.0 yards on four punts and pinning Culver-Stockton inside its own 20 every time. His 42-yard punt downed at the CS 1 set up the Owls' safety on the ensuing possession, cutting the Wildcats' lead to 13-9.
Culver-Stockton answered with a 4-yard touchdown run by Liam Thornton.
Dontae Rhodes connected with Jalen Becerra for a 44-yard touchdown with 4:36 remaining. The Owls' 2-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, making the score 20-15.
The Wildcats added another touchdown before the end of the third quarter when Thornton scored on a 2-yard run with 31 seconds remaining. Culver-Stockton took a 27-15 lead into the fourth quarter.
Culver-Stockton extended its lead early in the fourth quarter when Thornton connected with Blankenship for a 92-yard touchdown pass with 11:07 remaining, making the score 34-15.
The Owls continued to battle, with Rhodes finding Kamron Milstead for a 6-yard touchdown with 5:42 remaining. Mendoza's extra point brought William Woods within 12 at 34-22.
Carter Holloway recorded his second interception of the game, but the offense failed to score, and Culver-Stockton milked the clock en route to the victory.
Rhodes completed 25 of 43 passes for 332 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 63 yards on 21 carries. Becerra led the Owls with four receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown, while Holland finished with 15 rushing yards and a touchdown on seven carries.
William Woods finished with 490 yards of total offense, including 332 passing yards and 158 rushing yards.
The Owls return to action Saturday, Sept. 12, when they host Clarke University at 6 p.m. at the North Campus Athletic Complex in Fulton.
