Jackets Fall to #3 Mo Valley On Homecoming

Lamoni, IA - The Graceland football squad faced an uphill battle against #3 Missouri Valley College for Homecoming, but delievered a solid defensive performance in the 7-39 loss.

Both offenses struggled early, as Graceland turned in seven consecutive three-and-outs to begin the game, while the Vikings turned over two interceptions to a hungry GU defense.

Billy Wendt and David Edmondson relieved Bruce Reyes of the football in the first, killing two promising Mo Valley drives. The offense could not make anything of the subsequent possessions, however, as the Jacket attack managed only eleven yards in the first half.

The matchup was penalty-heavy, as both teams killed otherwise promising drives throughout the game. The struggling Viking offense was given a boost by an ill-timed pass interference call on the Jackets, which was parleyed into an easy touchdown, the visitors' first of the night.

Once their early struggles were sorted out, the Missouri Valley offense performed as advertised. The Vikings took advantage of good field position and marched the ball down the field twice more before half time.

A packed Bruce Jenner Sports Complex was treated to the traditional Homecoming inductions into the Graceland Hall of Fame, as well as the inaugrual presentation of the Freeman Student-Athlete Award for excellence in academics among varsity athletes. GU also saluted Melba Merkin '62, the founder of the Gadets.

Missouri Valley scored just out of the gate in the second half, turning out a 68-yard TD rush by Zavier Steward on their first play from scrimmage in the period.

Graceland continued to struggle offensively before discovering some life as the game progressed. Penalties and field position, however, made it difficult for the Jackets to sustain the long drives necessary to find the endzone. GU finally broke the goose egg with a fourth quarter pass by Adam Goodvin to Raysean Brown to run the score to 7-39.

"We are still a young team," said Coach Jeff Douglas. "Obviously, Missouri Valley is a great program and they are making some noise in the NAIA, but at the end of the day you can't give up that many chances with penalties and negative plays and beat a good opponent like them."

Douglas added, "There were some things we did well against a very good team, and we can take that into next week against another very good team in MidAmerica [Nazarene]."

Billy Wendt led the way defensively, compiling seven solo tackles for 11 total stops, including two for a loss, in addition to his pick. David Edmondson added a sack to his interception in addition to tabbing four total tackles.

Marcus Griffin rushed for 49 yards on 15 carries, and Joseph Canady added 45 on seven attempts.

The Jackets fall to 4-4 on the season, and continue a tough stretch of their HAAC schedule next week in Olathe, Kansas against #13 MidAmerica Nazarene University. That game will be a 1pm start, and you can Listen Live and follow Live Stats of the match on your mobile device or personal computer by going to our Stretch Internet Portal.

Stay tuned to GUjackets.com for continuing coverage of football and all GU athletics.