Yellowjackets Fall to Pioneers

Olathe, Kan. – The Graceland University Football team opened their season on the road to take on the MidAmerica Nazarene Pioneers. The Yellowjackets were defeated by the Pioneers 54-32. They are 0-1 on the season.

Graceland (0-1) vs. Pioneers (1-0)

Quarter 1: Graceland 7 | Pioneers 19

Graceland came out firing on their opening possession of the game, driving 38-yards in three plays, capping their drive with a 21-yard punt by Tom Treth. The Pioneers would get on the board first with a field goal attempt from the 45 line.

The Yellowjackets would start their third run; Cade Ross would find Gerald Monroe for a 39-yard touchdown at the 5-minute mark. The Pioneers marched to the endzone for a 26-yard touchdown to end the quarter.

Quarter 2: Graceland 19 | Pioneers 33

At the start of the second quarter and MNU's Adrian Parsons found wide receiver Caleb Tanis for a 26-yard reception and touchdown. Both teams worked to find the endzone. An interception by Zakhi Johnson, allowed for the ball to move 80-yards in 12 plays.

Graceland worked deep in the zone, a 3rd and 4th Gu was able to push for a Trae Blake touchdown. The MNU answered with their own 5-yard touchdown to push their lead. Graceland's defensive line held the Pioneers at the 1-yard line with a sacked for loss of 7 yards. MNU recovered for a touchdown.

Quarter 3: Graceland 26 | Pioneers 40

The Yellowjackets started their first drive with an interception from Angelo Villasana with a return of 14-yards to gain possession. Pioneers ended their 13-play campaign of 88 yards with a touchdown. Graceland would trim the deficit to 40-26 on a 25-yard touchdown run late in the quarter and attempted a two-point conversion to end the quarter.

Quarter 4: Graceland 19 | Pioneers 54
The Pioneers started with the first possession of the fourth quarter with a 64-yard run; Graceland's defense held them to the goal line. An interception from MNU's Troy Hall ends the Yellowjackets' drive. On the following Pioneer possession via a 1-yard touchdown pass with 8:09 to go in the game. The lead stretched to a 47-26 deficit. 

A minute later, Cade Ross found Gerald Monroe for a 50-yard touchdown to close the gap to 32-47. The Pioneers worked their way deep in the zone for a rushing touchdown, pulling their advantage to 22-points. MNU was able to hold off the Graceland attack in the closing minutes to secure the victory.

Leaders:

Tackles: Jacob Morales (GU) -11

Receptions: Caleb Tanis (MNU) - 11

Rec Yards: Gerald Monroe (GU) - 208

Passing Yards: Cade Ross (GU) / Adrian Parsons (MNU) – 418

  
Up Next
The Yellowjackets will be back on September 3rd to take on the Evangel (Mo.) Valor in their home opener. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 pm.

-Yellowjacket-