Yellowjackets Defeated by Central Methodist in ESPN3 Game

FAYETTE, MO. - On the road, the Graceland Yellowjackets were apart of the Heart Game of the Week televised on ESPN3 versus the Central Methodist University Eagles. The Eagles took down the visiting Yellowjackets, 42-7.

After Central Methodist was able to score on their opening drive of the game to go up 7-0, Graceland was able to force a turnover on the Eagles' second drive. Tevin Cameron picked off a pass early in the drie to give the Graceland offense a short field to work with. The offense was able to answer with a scoring drive of their own. Quarterback Augstine Dattoli rolled out left and ran in for the touchdwon from four yards out to give the Yellowjackets their first points.

The touchdown came at the end of a 6-play, 24-yard drive with still 5:27 left in the first quarter. Central Methodist would close out the first quarter leading 14-7.

The Eagles were able to get their offense moving to begin the second quarter. After scoring on back-to-back possessions, they would take a 28-7 lead into halftime.

The Graceland offense struggled to get anything going to mount a comeback in the second half. Central Methodist was able to add 14 more to their total in the 3rd quarter and take a 42-7 lead.

It was a scoreless 4th quarter for both teams as Central Methodist would take the 35-point win. In the game, the Eagles outgained Graceland 464-268. This included 261 yards on the ground for the Central Methodist offense.

Dattoli ended his day completing 24 passes for 196 yards and was one of Graceland's top rushers. Donte Slyencieux had 4 catches in the game for 50 yards. Caleb Thomas added a team-high 8 catches for 46 yards and Cameron Richardson had 44 yards on 5 receptions.

For the Graceland defense, Willie Page had 10 total tackles in the game and an interception. To go along with an interception of his own, Cameron led the team in tackles with 12, including 7 solo and 1.5 tackles for loss.

Next week, the Graceland football team returns home to host Missouri Valley College. Kickoff next Saturday is set for 6 pm as the Vikings come into the game with 2-2 record.

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