November 15, 2008 | Box Score
Lamoni, IA-In Lamoni on senior day, the Jackets were looking to end their season on a positive note Saturday afternoon. Hosting the Evangel Crusaders (4-6) Graceland knew it would take a very strong defensive performance in the cold temperatures and strong winds. The Jackets would get just that. Graceland defeated Evangel 17-14 scoring two touchdowns in the third quarter and getting great support from the defense.
Stuck a midst a defensive battle in the first half, Jacket kicker Luis Villagomez (San Diego, CA) tallied the only points of the first half for either team drilling a 28 yard field goal with .19 seconds remaining in the first quarter. The third quarter didn't start well for the Jackets as Evangel defender Reggie Roepke caused a fumble by Zach Stuart (Neosho, MO) and scampered 52 yards in for the score. The PAT was no good but it left Evangel with a 6-3 lead. The rest of the quarter was all Graceland however as they put together their best 15 minutes of the season. The Jackets found pay dirt twice in the third once on a 5 yard touchdown run by Billy Witham (Leon, IA) and again four minutes later on a 2 yard run by senior Kalen Thomas (Pierce City, MO). The two scores gave Graceland a 17-3 advantage through three periods of play. The defense would have to play strong in the fourth quarter as Evangel was able to cut into the lead scoring both a touchdown (2 pt conversion failed) and getting a safety but Graceland had built enough of a cushion to hold on for the 17-14 win.
The Jackets conclude their season at 2-8 overall and 2-8 in HAAC play. They will be hitting the recruiting trail hard this offseason looking to get back to their winning ways during the 2009 campaign. Stay tuned to the Jacket athletics website for continuing converage on the football team and all of Jacket athletics.
For More Information on Graceland University Athletics Contact:
Matt Shelton, Sports Information Director
(641) 784-5318
mshelton@graceland.edu
Want to receive instant updates on your favorite teams or all the Graceland scores via text message or email? Sign up for the Jackets new "E-Score" service by clicking the e-scores link on the home page or each teams individual page.
