MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Centre football went on the road and defeated Southern Athletic Association rival Rhodes by a 42-27 score Saturday at Crain Field.
 
The Colonels improved to 5-4 overall with the win and 3-4 in the SAA, dropping the Lynx to 1-7 (1-5 SAA).
 
Junior Jordan Gunter paced the attack with 216 all-purpose yards and a pair of touchdowns, while classmate Andre Evans threatened the program single-game record with 23 tackles.
 
HIGHLIGHTS
- After the Lynx opened with a touchdown on their first drive, the Colonels promptly leveled the score on a six-play, 63-yard possession capped by a three-yard plunge from Dameon Jones Jr.
- Gunter provided a highlight reel play later in the opening quarter, returning a punt 76 yards for a touchdown, making it 14-7 after the PAT.
- Rhodes scored on a pick-six early in the second quarter, but the Colonels reeled off 21 straight before the half to create some separation.
- Jay Becherer hauled in a 23-yard touchdown pass from Clark Payne, while Christian Billiter and Gunter brought in passes from John Walton to make it 35-14 at the break. Each of the touchdown drives lasted seven plays and went for more than 56 yards.
- Centre answered a Rhodes score in the third quarter with another lengthy 10-play drive which Zarian Hunter Cure ended on a one-yard rushing touchdown.
- Evans forced and recovered a fumble on the ensuing Lynx drive, which was nearing the redzone.
- Rhodes added a score in the fourth quarter, but the Colonel defense stopped the Lynx on a 4th and Goal later in the period to all but end the contest.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Evans' 23 tackles (10 solo) were two shy of the program record, set by Adam Hay in 2005. His monster outing included 2.5 TFLs with a sack, forced fumble and fumble recovery.
- Justin Gainey recorded his first career interception, adding two pass breakups.
- Walton led the Colonel QB duo with 210 yards and a pair of TDs while completing 15 of 21 passes. Zarian Hunter Cure set a career high with 106 yards on just 12 carries.
- Gunter hauled in five receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown.
- Centre out-gained Rhodes 466 to 372 while running 16 fewer plays. The Colonels averaged 7.6 yards per play.
- The Colonel defense, which totaled five sacks, limited the Lynx to a 3-for-6 success rate in the redzone and 4-for-11 clip from third down.
 
UP NEXT
Centre celebrates Senior Day next Saturday, Nov. 9, against rival Berry at Farris Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.