October 10, 2009 | Box Score
Lamoni, IA-Graceland alumni got a chilly reception in Lamoni on Saturday, as the wind chill dipped below freezing and the campus was subjected to intermittent flurries of unseasonal snow. The Jacket football squad could not warm up their offense in Homecoming's bitter afternoon and fell to MidAmerica Nazerine University 7-66. The blistering north wind swept through the Bruce Jenner Sports Complex, as did the Pioneers, whose traditionally powerful running game was in top form for the contest, augmented by a brilliant passing attack.
The Graceland side received the opening kickoff, but went three and out in their two series with the ball. MidAmerica (5-1) capitalized on multiple misfortunes suffered by the Jackets and took their first two full series down the field to score, and after blocking the GU punt in the second series, found themselves on the goal line with less than six minutes having been played. Another scoring drive and a safety made on a bad punt snap, the Pioneers sat with a commanding 22-0 lead. The Jackets got on the board with 1:33 remaining in the first quarter on a four yard score on the counter play by Jerome Messam (Brampton, ON) after a botched snap and penalty by MidAmerica which gave Graceland the ball near the goal line. That was the last of a touchdown filled first quarter, which ended with a 22-7 slate in favor of the Pioneers.
After MidAmerica started off the second quarter with a pair of scores, the Pioneers got the ball in friendly territory in their third possession of the quarter after a Graceland fumble, but the GU defense firmed up in the red zone, limiting the damage to a thirty-three yard field goal, with the score then standing at 39-7. MidAmerica extended their lead to 42-7 on a field goal with five minutes remaining in the half, and with about two minutes remaining scored yet another touchdown to bring the final halftime score 49-7.
Graceland kicked the ball off to start the second half, and MidAmerica took their first possession down the field for three scores in the half. With the reserves in for both sides in the 4th quarter, the last frame was a quiet one, with no scoring or much excitement as MidAmerica drained the clock toward the inevitable conclusion of a 66-7 MidAmerica victory.
The loss was the third straight for GU who now stand at 2-3 overall and 2-3 in conference play. The Jackets will next face Avila University in Kansas City, MO next Saturday at 1:30pm. 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.
