The Culver-Stockton College football team dropped a 45-13 decision to third-ranked Grand View University in the Heart of America Athletic Conference North Division opener at Ellison Poulton Stadium Saturday afternoon.

The Wildcats played turnover-free football for the second time this season but the inability to make a stop defensively on fourth down did the C-SC in as the Vikings built a 31-0 halftime lead in part by converting three fourth-down plays leading to 17 first half points.

Offensively, C-SC struggled in the first half, registering just two first downs and never crossing over midfield in the first 30 minutes  of game action.

Grand View added another touchdown in the third quarter to make it 38-0 before the Wildcats found some offensive success.

C-SC drove 57 yards on five plays before quarterback Drake Day connected with Durand Abston over the middle on fourth and goal from the 18 yard line. Bradyn Ritchie added the extra point.

The Wildcats notched their final touchdown on the final play of the game when Kyle Dixon hauled in a one-yard pass from Day as time expired in the game. The drive covered 65 yards in 10 plays. Jayden Neal rushed for 31 of his team-high 32 yards on the drive.

Day finished the day 17 of 28 for 123 yards and two touchdowns. Dixon led the receivers with 10 receptions for 81 yards.

The Wildcats are scheduled to host 13th-ranked Benedictine College next Saturday, Oct. 5, at Poulton Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 12 p.m.