Big Second Half Carries Wildcats to First Victory
The Culver-Stockton College football team outscored Saint Ambrose 21-0 in the second half to post a 35-21 Heart of America Athletic Conference North Division victory Saturday afternoon at Jack and Pat Bush Stadium in Davenport, Iowa.
Kyle Dixon and Eli Edmonds had two receiving touchdowns each, and Demarion Cobb added a rushing touchdown for the Wildcats, who snapped a 13-game losing streak with the victory over the Bees.
Saint Ambrose took the opening kickoff and swiftly moved down the field to take a 7-0. C-SC has allowed a touchdown on the opponent's opening drive in six of the seven games this season.
The Wildcats answered with Dixon's first touchdown of the game as he hauled in a 21-yard pass from Drake Day to knot the score at 7.
The Bees regained the lead early in the second quarter; however, the Wildcats answered as Dixon caught a 38-yard pass from day to tie the score midway through the second quarter. Dixon, who leads the Wildcats with eight touchdowns this season, including seven receiving scores, finished the game with seven catches for 135 yards.
Saint Ambrose scored at the end of the first half, scoring with 28 seconds remaining to take momentum to the halftime locker room.
Cobb's touchdown tied the game at 21 with one tick under seven minutes remaining in the third quarter. Cobb finished with 65 yards rushing on 18 carries.
C-SC took the lead for good early in the fourth quarter when Day connected with Edmonds on a 26-yard strike that culminated a 10-play, 80 yard drive and give the Wildcats a 28-21 advantage.
The Bees embarked on a 17-play drive on the ensuing possession and had first and goal at the C-SC three yard line when the Wildcat defense stood their ground.
Mason Vicary recorded a sack for a five-yard loss on first down before an incomplete pass made it third-and-goal at the eight.
Kaden Thomas and Josh Winston were credited with a sack on third down before an incomplete pass on fourth down to give ball back to the offense.
The Wildcats iced the game with a 10-play, 87-yard drive that ended with a 19-yard pass to Edmonds for his second score of the day. Edmonds ended with four receptions for 78 yards.
The Wildcats amassed 366 total yards in the game, including 244 yards passing on 15-26 accuracy from Day. The Wildcats garnered 122 yards rushing.
Meanwhile, the Wildcat defense allowed a season-low 317 yards overall with 160 yard rushing and 157 yards passing. C-SC's defense also forced two fumbles and recovered both. The Wildcats did not commit a turnover.
Cornerback Robert Jones led the defense with 10 tackles, two tackles for loss and a pass breakup. Rommarrus Hinson registered nine tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.
The Wildcats (1-6) return home on Saturday, Oct. 26, to battle Graceland University on Homecoming. Kickoff is slated for 12:30 p.m. at Ellison Poulton Stadium.