Graceland 26, Central Methodist 10
The Graceland football team beat Central Methodist College 26-10 on a rainy Homecoming Saturday in Lamoni, Iowa.
The sun didn’t show until late in the ballgame, but the Yellowjackets were ready to play from the opening whistle. Homecoming 2003 went off with a bang as Tom Campos led the offense and Craig Hidy led the defense to victory.
Late in the first quarter a botched punt resulted in a safety for the Eagles. Graceland was down 0-2 but responded with a one-yard touchdown by Aaron Sharkey just 11 seconds later. The score set up a Graceland punt that was fumbled and recovered by the Jackets defensive back Robert Pentek. Danny Laguna kicked the extra point and Graceland had their first lead of the game; a lead that would never be lost.
The only score of the second quarter was a 15-yard touchdown romp, again by Sharkey. Graceland hit the locker room at the half with a 14-2 lead.
Early in the third quarter the Jackets forced another fumble that was recovered by Graceland linebacker Craig Hidy. As a result of the possession, Laguna easily booted a 47-yard field goal. The Jackets’ lead grew to 17-2, and at the five minute mark, Campos and Dante Johnson hooked up for a 25-yard touchdown through the air. The Jackets had a commanding 24-2 lead.
Central Methodist scored late in the fourth but it would be too little too late.
With just a couple of minutes left in the game the sun came out and Graceland scored two points on a safety when Ron Strozyk made a tackle in the Eagles’ end zone. The score was 26-10 and the Jackets improve their record to 3-2 in the HAAC.
The Jacket defense would prove to be too much on the day for the visiting Eagles. A stingy 115 yards was given up on the ground and Central Methodist was only able to squeak out 80 yards through the air.
The Jacket defense forced four fumbles and picked off two Eagle passes. Leading the way in tackles were defensive back Tony Ingram with 13 and linebacker Craig Hidy with 12. Hidy also picked up a fumble recovery and an interception on the day.
The Yellowjackets will take on Missouri Valley on Saturday the 13th of October in Marshall, Mo. Game time is set for 1:30 p.m.
