Clarke Falls to Culver-Stockton, 41-21

CANTON, Mo. – Despite an early and strong start, Clarke dropped a tough 41-21 loss to Culver-Stockton on Saturday at Poulton Stadium. 

The Wildcats were led by quarterback Jase Orndorff, who was 24 of 44 for 289 yards and four touchdowns – all of which were caught by a different receiver. Running back Demarion Cobb had 75 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. 

The Wildcats (4-4 overall, 2-0 Heart North) scored 35 points off of Clarke turnovers and scored the game's final 31 points to win. Culver-Stockton sacked Clarke quarterbacks five times and held the Pride to 57 yards rushing on 37 attempts. 

Clarke (3-5, 0-2) responded to an early 3-0 deficit with a touchdown on the team's opening drive when QB Brandon Mueller found wide receiver Caden Miller at 7:06. The Wildcats answered back with a touchdown two possessions later to retake the lead 10-7. CU reclaimed the lead right before the end of the opening quarter when Mueller found Gabe Deadwiler for a nine-yard score with 28 ticks remining. The Pride padded its lead at 9:01 in the second quarter when Mueller threw his third first half touchdown, finding Jaquan Graham from three yards out to go up 21-10. 

Culver-Stockton broke the game open by outscoring Clarke 17-0 in the third quarter, including a 65-yard touchdown hookup between Orndorff and WR Slayton Ochoa. 

Mueller went 3 for 4 for 40 yards on Clarke's opening possession but finished the game 15 of 25 for 163 yards and an interception. 

Clarke's defense was led by Kenneth Spaight with six total tackles. Brennen Kupfer had 1.5 tackles for loss, while Mark Edwards had one.  

The Pride will look to rally back at home against Graceland University on Oct. 29. Kickoff at Dalzell Field is set for 1 p.m.