Sept. 12, 2009 | Box Score
Lamoni, IA-The long awaited 2009 football season finally arrived Saturday night and it started with a bang. Desperately wanting to put the memories of the 2008 season in the rear view mirror, the Graceland offensive attack headed up by senior running back Jerome Messam (York, Ontario) kicked it in to overdrive Saturday night as Messam opened the game with an 80 yard touchdown scamper on the first play from scrimmage. The run opened up an early 7-0 lead and instantly got Jacket fans into the action.
Graceland continued to pour it on early in the 1st quarter getting a dominate performance from the offensive line and Messam. After jumping out 7-0 on the first play, Messam scored again from 1 yard out later in the quarter giving Graceland a 14-0 lead and at that point, it appeared the Jackets were going to be able to put it on cruise control the rest of the way. After sophomore kicker Chalium Muir (San Diego, CA) tacked on a field goal at the 2:49 mark in the first quarter Graceland had a commanding 17-0 early lead. William Jewell however, refused to go quietly. On the first play following Muir's field goal Cardinal quarterback Drew Witman threw a 77 yard strike to wide receiver Daniel Johnson getting Jewell on the board and right back into the game at 17-7. After a Jacket botched snap on a punt in the second quarter gave Jewell a safety, Graceland headed to the locker room with a 17-9 lead.
In the third quarter both teams struggled to get much going as both offenses stagnated. In the fourth quarter however the Jacket air attack got it's first touchdown on the season as Scotty Roth (Grinnell, IA) found senior Anthony Perez (Rio Mesa, CA) on a 10 yard touchdown connection giving Graceland a comfortable 23-9 lead (PAT was no good). Jewell would tack on a late cosmetic touchdown but it was too late as Graceland put the finishing touches on their 23-16 victory.
"All the hard work and effort we put in all season long really paid off tonight," stated all-american and Jacket captain Cameron Willkomm following the game. "Every guy on this team put in countless off season hours to get our program where we want to be this season. It was a great win and we'll enjoy it tonight but prepare for next week tomorrow," finished Willkomm.
Running back Jerome Messam had a monster night in his return to the Jacket lineup after a one year hiatus. Messam rushed for 220 yards on 25 carries tonight including two touchdowns. Junior receiver Geoffrey Browning also had a big game as he led the Jackets with 95 receiving yards on 7 catches.
"It's always good to get a win in your first game of the season and it's even sweeter when it's your rival," said Coach Welch following the victory. "Jerome had an outstanding night tonight and the defense really stepped up big for us. I really like where we are right now for this early in the season but we most certainly have things we'll continue to work on in practice," concluded Welch.
The Jackets are now 1-0 on this young season and will make the long trip to Springfield, Missouri next Saturday where they'll face the Evangel Crusaders in a 6:00 pm battle. Stay tuned to the Jacket athletics website for continuing coverage of 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
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