(Des Moines, Iowa)- The Peru State football team went toe-to-toe with No. 4-ranked Grand View on Saturday night before falling 34-20 in Heart of America Athletic Conference action.
The Bobcats came out strong, forcing a fumble on the Vikings' first possession that was recovered by Zahir Washington, setting up a 20-yard field goal from Parker Cushing to give Peru State an early 3-0 lead.
Later in the first quarter, Stacian Livingston capped a 14-play, 76-yard drive with a 19-yard touchdown run, extending the Bobcats' advantage to 10-0. Grand View answered midway through the second with a punt-return touchdown, but Peru State responded with a long drive just before halftime. CJ Dixon connected with Akili Mattox on a 4-yard touchdown pass to send the Bobcats into the break ahead 17-7.
Grand View rallied in the second half, scoring twice in the third quarter – including a 48-yard interception return for a touchdown – to move in front 20-17. Cushing tied the game early in the fourth with a 37-yard field goal, but the Vikings pulled away with two late touchdowns to secure the win.
Dixon finished with 164 yards passing and a touchdown, while Livingston led the rushing attack with 49 yards and a score. Amahd Bacon hauled in seven catches for 51 yards, and Daylan Jones added three receptions for 36. Cushing went a perfect 2-for-2 on field goals and hit both extra points.
Defensively, Duke McClinton paced Peru State with six tackles, while Nicholas Syms and Washington each recovered a fumble.
