October 3, 2009 | Box Score
Marshall, MO- It was a tough day for the Graceland offense Saturday facing the menacing defense of Missouri Valley. The Jackets struggled to move the ball mustering only 58 yards of total offense on the afternoon.
The first half was all Missouri Valley as they took a 16-0 lead into the locker room at half time. On the first play from scrimmage in the second half however, the Jackets got a spark from sophomore linebacker Chad Belt (Council Bluffs, IA) who picked up a fumble on defense and returned it for a 25 yard touchdown. Belt, who had a huge week last week recovering two fumbles and picking off a pass for a touchdown, also recorded 11 tackles on the day to lead the Jackets.
Unfortunately, following the fumble return, Mo Valley would counter scoring three consecutive touchdowns, two through the air and one on the ground effectively putting the game away. Jacket star runningback Jerome Messam (Brampton, Ontario) would tack on a 2 yard touchdown run at the start of the 4th quarter. His touchdown ended the scoring as Graceland fell, 36-12 to the #12 Vikings.
The loss was the second straight for GU and they now stand at 2-2 overall and 2-2 in conference play. The Jackets will next face nationally ranked MidAmerica Nazarene in Lamoni on Homecoming next Saturday at 2pm. The Homecoming festivities will kickoff at 1:05 pm Saturday with the induction of the four Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees. 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
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.
