ST. LOUIS — Missouri Baptist University football (3–6, 2–3 Heart) closed out its home schedule with a 21–9 victory over Central Methodist University (2–8, 1–4 Heart) on Saturday night, capping Homecoming and Senior Night at Spartan Field with a complete team performance.
Quarterback Jacob Jones threw for 267 yards and two touchdowns, while receiver Gavin Claud continued his standout season with seven receptions for 113 yards and a touchdown. The senior has now caught a touchdown in seven of nine games this season and moved into second all-time at MBU in receiving yards (1,969), receiving touchdowns (14), and receptions (141). Senior wideout Shane Becker added his first touchdown of the season on a 38-yard grab, placing him fifth all-time at MBU with eight career receiving scores and sixth in career receiving yards with 869. Running back Lionel Banks added a rushing score to tie Chris Baldwin for the program's all-time lead with 23 career rushing touchdowns.
Linebackers Nick Stepney and Evan DeWilde led the defense with 11 and 10 tackles, respectively. Ray Lingard and Justin Lehn each tallied 10 stops, while Javon Huff, Jaylon Williamson, and DeWilde each recorded interceptions — all three now tied for the team lead with two on the year. Cortlen Johnson added a forced fumble to headline a dominant defensive effort.
The Spartans' defense forced three interceptions and limited CMU to 132 yards of total offense, holding the Eagles scoreless in three of four quarters.
First Quarter
MBU struck first with a 14-play, 82-yard drive capped by a four-yard rushing touchdown by Banks at the 5:11 mark. Ian Zohner's extra point made it 7-0, and the Spartans' defense held CMU to just 25 yards of offense in the opening period.
Second Quarter
MBU doubled its lead midway through the second when Jones connected with Becker on a 38-yard touchdown pass, completing a 10-play, 78-yard drive. Zohner's PAT extended the margin to 14-0 heading into halftime.
Third Quarter
CMU got on the board when Treyvion Hourel Jr. returned a blocked field goal 70 yards for a touchdown, but the extra point attempt failed. The Eagles later added a 29-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 14-9. The Spartan defense, however, responded with key stops to preserve the advantage, including a fumble forced by Johnson that halted a CMU drive near midfield.
Fourth Quarter
The Spartans sealed the game late when Jones found Claud for a 33-yard touchdown with 1:52 remaining, pushing the lead to 21-9. Claud finished with seven catches for 113 yards, while Becker added 60 yards and a score.
Up Next
MBU closes the 2025 season next Saturday on the road at William Woods University. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. in Fulton, Missouri.
