CMU scored 23 points in the second half while holding the Eastern Kentucky Colonels to only a touchdown. But in the first half the Chippewas allowed 21 points and only scored 19.

“We have been preaching so hard, that it doesn’t matter what happens in the first, second and third quarters. Whether your are up 21 or down 21 you have to finish the game in the fourth quarter to win,” CMU Head Coach Mike DeBord said.

The Chippewas scored most of their points using their new no-huddle offense.

“The tempo was so fast early but our kids did a great job running it early,” DeBord said.

It didn't look good for the Chippewa defense early as the Eastern Kentucky Colonels were up 7-0 after 55 seconds. The touchdown came on a 76 yard dash by Colonel running back C.J. Hudson.

Central answered right back. They answered with an eight play, 37-yard drive that ended with a four-yard plunge by tailback Kenan Lawhorne to knot the contest with 9:28 to go in the first quarter.

The Chippewas took a 9-7 lead on a safety by senior defensive back Finley Carter, with 7:55 to go in the first quarter.

The Chippewas then went three and out on their next possession, but a five yard defensive offsides penalty gave the ball back to the Chippewas.

They then took a 16-7 advantage on a 30-yard touchdown toss from quarterback Derrick Vickers to wide receiver Rob Turner.

“There was a time a year and a half ago when Rob Turner and Robbie Mixon weren’t where we wanted them to be. But they are more committed to football now. They have both changed and love football now. What Turner did today ( six receptions for 90 yards) was no surprise, and the same goes for Mixon (26 rushes for 78 yards and one touchdown),” DeBord said.

The game changed directions from there as Hudson took the ball to the house again, this time on an 80-yard run with a 1:33 to go in the first quarter. Cutting the Chippewa lead to 16-14.

Hudson then scored for his third time, this time on a 10-yard scamper. Eastern Kentucky kicker Jamie Flynn added the extra point to make it a 21-16 lead with 11:43 to go in the half.

The Chippewas added a a field goal late in the half to make it a 21-19 Colonel lead going into the half.

For the half, Hudson had three touchdowns on 12 carries for 172 yards.

“I hadn’t played football in over two years so I was hungry for the ball. So every time I touched the football I was thinking touchdown,” Hudson said.

CMU came out in the second half, a different team.

“The defense made some adjustment and came out in the second half flew around and tackled well for our first game,” DeBord said.

Central started its scoring on Lawhorne's second TD of the game, this one, a one yard run.

Central added to their lead on another Lawhorne score, his third of the game just 2:14 later. Central went for two, unsuccessfully to take a 32-21 lead.

The score was set-up by a 53 yard punt return by senior corner Tedaro France, France was knocked out at the two yard line.

CMU then kicked a field goal, a 45-yarder by Paul Savich, in the fourth quarter gave the Chippewas the 35-21 lead.

Central then put the game away with a Robbie Mixon’s two yard plunge, that capped off a seven play, 50-yard drive, giving the Chippewas a 42-21 lead.

Eastern Kentucky scored late to make it a 42-28 victory.

The Chippewas and their new offense travel to Michigan State next Saturday, Sept. 8 for a 1 p.m. game.

“We are committed to this offense. We wanted to make some adjustments for the athletic, mobile quarterback (Vickers). This offense allows him to get out and make some throws,” DeBord said. “It is a work in progress, but so far we are very, very, very pleased.”

Chippewas fry Colonels

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