Williams Finds Wyer for Game-Winning Touchdown Against Missouri Valley

DUBUQUE, Iowa – For the first time in program history, Clarke University defeated the Missouri Valley College Vikings, 31-30, in dramatic fashion on Saturday behind the heroics of Jayden Wyer and Kenyon Williams. 

"Our team just got a win today over the second winningest NAIA program of all-time," said Pride head coach Miguel Regalado. "What's exciting is that, despite making mistakes and leaving points off the board, we won."

Down five with five minutes remaining, Clarke began its game-winning drive on its own 47-yard line. After a one-yard pickup from running back Sean Ceasar, quarterback Brandon Mueller rushed for back-to-back five-yard gains, followed up with completions of one, two, six, nine and 12 yards to bring the Pride down to the Viking's 20-yard line. 

On second and four, Missouri Valley sacked Mueller for a three-yard loss. An incomplete pass on third down forced CU into a fourth down timeout.  On the next play, Mueller attempted to hit wideout Gabe Deadwiler near the pylon, but was unable due to a Viking defender committing pass interference. 

On the ensuing play, Mueller was sacked for a second time on the drive and was slow to get up with a cramp. Clarke was forced to use its final timeout and put the game into the hands of Williams, who escaped a Missouri Valley defender and threw the game-winning pass to Wyer. 

"Kenyon is a fantastic teammate and is completely supportive of Brandon," said Regalado. "He's 100-percent ready when his number is called. I don't think anyone was worried on that sideline when he went into the game."

For Williams, it was just another day at the office. "He came up to me afterwards and said, 'Just doing my job, Coach'," Regalado said.

The Pride's defense dominated the early stages of Saturday's game, holding the Missouri Valley offense scoreless until 13 seconds remained in the first half – when a nearly-intercepted tipped pass fell into the arms of Missouri Valley's Dorian Miles near the back of the endzone.

Clarke struck first at the 13:04 mark in the second quarter when Mueller found Deadwiler for a 10-yard score. However, on the extra point attempt, Missouri Valley got ahold of the ball and returned it for a 97-yard two-point score, leaving the Pride with a 6-2 advantage. 

Nearly four minutes later, running back Nico Estrada found the endzone for the first time in his career on a two-yard rush, putting Clarke up 12-2. The tipped pass score for Missouri Valley made it a 12-9 game heading into the break. 

The Vikings took their first lead of the game late in the third quarter when QB Oliver Svirsky found Brian Smith on a 21-yard score to go up 16-12. The Viking lead didn't last long, as Mueller put Clarke right back in front after uncorking a 42-yard pass to Wyer early in the fourth quarter, which sparked a shootout between the two programs. 

Missouri Valley responded with a 76-yard touchdown pass merely 21 seconds later to re-take the lead with 12:13 to play. Mueller threw his third touchdown pass of the day on the ensuing drive – a 14-yard shot to Caden Miller to put Clarke back up, 25-23. The Vikings would respond for the last time when Jaleen Jones broke loose for a 27-yard rushing score with eight minutes remaining. 

Mueller finished the day 29-of-41 passing for 311 yards, his second-straight game going over the 300 yard mark. "I've said that Brandon will be the most talented quarterback in Clarke history since the day her got here," remarked Regalado. "He's playing really good football right now. A lot of that credit has to go to Coach (Mason) Randall."

Deadwiler and Mueller continued to have a great connection, as Deadwiler finished with a program-record 12 catches for 132 yards. Wyer hauled in five receptions for 66 yards, while Miller had five catches for 42 yards. "Gabe Deadwiler is a guy we knew was explosive, but right now he's showing the league he can be pretty special," said Regalado.

The defensive backs had themselves a day, as Kenneth Spaight racked up eight tackles and one pass breakup, Johel Gonzalez recorded the first interception of the season, and Mark Edwards IV picked up his first career sack. 

"I believe we have a great opportunity to go on the road next week and beat a team that was in the playoffs a year ago," said Regalado. "If that happens, this team very well could have been 3-0 to start this season." 

The Pride will take to the road next week to face the Eagles of Central Methodist University. Kick-off is set for 1 p.m. with coverage of the game being provided by The Heart Conference Network. 

Follow the Pride 

For the latest information on Pride football, visit ClarkePride.com. You can also find the team on social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.