(Peru, Neb.)- The Peru State football team held off the Nationally Ranked #16 Baker Wildcats secure a 31-17 win on Saturday Night.

Baker struck first with a 31-yard touchdown pass early in the first quarter, but the Bobcats answered with a 38-yard field goal from Parker Cushing. The momentum swung in the second quarter when CJ Dixon connected with Chaz Sturn for a 35-yard touchdown strike to put Peru State ahead 10-7. A late Baker field goal tied things at 10 heading into halftime.

The third quarter proved pivotal as Dixon capped a 14-play, 75-yard drive with a one-yard rushing touchdown. Baker quickly tied it at 17 with a short rushing score of its own, but Dixon responded again late in the quarter, breaking free for an eight-yard touchdown run to give Peru State the lead for good at 24-17.

In the fourth quarter, the Bobcat defense slammed the door. Ja-Quez Oliver returned an interception 51 yards for a touchdown with under a minute remaining, sealing the 31-17 victory. Peru State's defense finished with four interceptions, including picks from Oliver, Zahir Washington, Nathaniel Ortega, and Duke McClinton.

The Bobcats controlled the game with balanced offense and a stifling defense that limited Baker to just three points in the second half. Peru State finished with 280 yards of total offense, including 190 through the air and 90 on the ground, while the defense forced four turnovers and held the Wildcats in check down the stretch.

CJ Dixon led the way offensively, completing 13 of 22 passes for 169 yards and a touchdown while also rushing 13 times for 53 yards and two scores. Ricky Fulton added 23 yards on the ground, while Stacian Livingston chipped in with eight carries. Akili Mattox paced the receiving corps with five catches for 51 yards, while Sturn had two grabs for 44 yards and a touchdown and Daylan Jones hauled in two passes for 34 yards.

Defensively, Oliver highlighted the night with his interception return for a touchdown, while Washington, Ortega, and McClinton each came away with a takeaway. Cushing also had a strong night in the kicking game, converting a 38-yard field goal, drilling all four extra-point attempts, and averaging 38.9 yards on seven punts.