Oct 31, 2009 | Box Score
Canton, MO-The Graceland football team utilized some fourth quarter magic and came back to defeat Culver-Stockton 20-15 in Canton.
Graceland took a half to get all the pieces to run together on the offensive side of the ball, but the defense held firm to give their teammates time to get in gear.
The defensive squad held firm throughout the game, with the only points coming on a trio of field goals and a touchdown scored on a Wildcat drive which started at the GU 2 yard line. Culver-Stockton could not convert the extra point attempt, but took a 0-6 lead into the break.
Jerome Messam (Brampton, ON) took a touchdown run from 3 yards out to start off the second half scoring, then after one of three Wildcat field goals in the half, Geoffrey Browning (Colorado Springs, CO) took a kickoff to the house. After the last of the Culver-Stockton kicks, the Jackets found themselves down 15-13 with less than five minutes remaining in the game.
But fate was on Graceland's side as Messam (70 yrds on 14 carries) took another ball into the endzone from 20 yards to put his team ahead. The Graceland defense bent down to their own 6 yard line on the ensuing drive, but did not break, ending the Wildcats' hopes for a win on 4th down.
"Both components of our game came together today, and both the offense and defense worked very efficiently," said Coach Cris Welch. "We really took care of business in the 4th quarter today, and the defense manned up in the end just as they had done for the whole game. Geoffrey Browning played an excellent game both receiving (56 yrds on 6 receptions) and in the return game; that touchdown return was just what we needed. It was great to get a win to get us back in the swing of things, and we face a very tough matchup next week against Lindenwood, which makes the momentum gained today even more important."
The Jackets stand at 3-5 overall and will face Lindenwood University in Lamoni this Saturday, November 7, at 1:30 pm in the last home game of the season. Stay tuned to the Jacket athletics website for continuing coverage of the women's basketball 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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