LIBERTY, Mo. - The William Jewell football team concluded the 2024 season on a high note on Saturday, defeating McKendree University in dominant fashion, 45-14. The Cardinals finish 5-6 on the season, their best mark since 2014, and in sixth place in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

• After forcing a McKendree punt, the Cardinals got on the board on their opening drive, moving 70 yards on 13 plays and ending in a Keaundre McCullough two-yard touchdown run. 
• The Bearcats tied things up quickly with a 45 yard connection to Jay Ford but Jewell went right back in front as McCullough scored again, this time from five yards out. 
• Sean Mitchell blocked a Bearcat punt to give Jewell the ball in prime position on the 10 yard line as Josh Click started the second quarter with a 23-yard field goal to extend the lead.
• Jake Shaffer found AJ Austene for 19 yards to the end zone to put the Cardinals up 24-7 but again McKendree responded, scoring on a 15-yard touchdown run by Eddit Clark to send it to the intermission. 
• The Cardinals started the second half strong with Edmarrion Contreras catching a 22-yard touchdown pass before McCullough ran 20 yards for his third score of the day to extend the lead to 38-14. 
• McCullough added a fourth touchdown late in the third quarter on a 12-yard run to push the Jewell advantage to 45-14.
• The Bearcats attempted a 40-yard field goal with under five minutes to play but it was blocked by Max McKenzie to hold McKendree scoreless in the second half.  

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Shaffer finished 13-of-20 for 176 yards and two touchdowns with Contreras being the primary target, grabbing four passes for 79 yards and a score. 
• McCullough finished with 167 yards on 27 carries and four touchdowns. 
• Eric Ohmer led the defense with 13 tackles with Javion Macias picking up two sacks and Justin Endicott and Jayshawn Richmond combining for another. 
• Mitchell and Logan Hlliard each forced one fumble.