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GRACELAND UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Graceland Football Dominates Central Methodist 62-12 in Home Opener

Graceland Football Dominates Central Methodist 62-12 in Home Opener

Lamoni, Iowa – Graceland University football posted a commanding 62-12 victory over Central Methodist University on Saturday at Huntsman Field. The Yellowjackets improved their record to 2-1 while Central Methodist fell to 0-3 on the season.

Graceland's offense exploded from the start, scoring 28 points in the first quarter alone, and continued to overwhelm the Eagles throughout the game. The Yellowjackets accumulated 464 total yards of offense, split nearly evenly between 256 passing yards and 208 rushing yards. Central Methodist struggled to keep up, managing only 236 total yards, including -28 yards on the ground.

The game's opening score came from Central Methodist after Graceland's offense faltered early. Following a errant snap by Bret Whitehall, Graceland conceded a safety just 29 seconds into the game, giving Central Methodist a 2-0 lead.

However, that lead was short-lived as Graceland responded swiftly. Quarterback Luke Dodd orchestrated a 10-play, 83-yard drive that culminated in a 4-yard touchdown pass to Gerald Monroe at the 8:07 mark. After a successful extra point from Jacob Collett, Graceland took a 7-2 lead and never looked back.

Just minutes later, running back Jamon McGlory capped a short 22-yard drive with a 4-yard rushing touchdown to extend the lead to 14-2. Dodd then connected with wide receiver Isiah Rivers-Rodriguez for a 16-yard touchdown pass with 1:44 remaining in the first quarter, pushing the score to 21-2. The quarter ended on a high note for the Yellowjackets when defensive back Zion Trimbolio returned an interception 46 yards for a touchdown, widening the gap to 28-2.

Graceland's dominance continued in the second quarter, starting with another quick score. After a fumble recovery on Central Methodist's two-yard line, running back Rio Williams punched it in on the ground for another touchdown just 16 seconds into the quarter, making it 35-2.

Central Methodist got on the board again with a 26-yard field goal by Oscar Simon at the 9:27 mark, but Graceland responded immediately. On the first play of the ensuing drive, Tael Jean broke loose for an 80-yard touchdown run, adding to Graceland's lead. Though the two-point conversion attempt failed, the score moved to 41-5.

Dodd and the offense weren't finished, as he found wide receiver Deajaun Mcdougle for an 11-yard touchdown with 4:21 remaining in the half, pushing the score to 48-5 at the break.

Graceland's offense slowed slightly in the second half, but still managed to add to its lead. Dodd led a 16-play, 89-yard drive that consumed nearly eight minutes of the third quarter, finishing with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Alex Beard. The extra point by Aidan Freeman made the score 55-5.

Central Methodist answered with a 74-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Alvaro Ortega-Morales to Tristan Boyce in the final seconds of the third quarter, trimming Graceland's lead to 55-12. But that was the final score for the Eagles, as Graceland's defense shut them out in the fourth quarter.

Graceland's final touchdown came with 9:06 left in the game, when backup quarterback Brett Hamilton connected with tight end Mallan Cole for a 5-yard score. Freeman's extra point extended the final margin to 62-12.

Quarterback Luke Dodd was the offensive catalyst for Graceland, completing 22 of 33 passes for 213 yards and four touchdowns. Dodd's efficient play helped spread the ball across multiple receivers, including Gerald Monroe, who caught seven passes for 104 yards and a touchdown. Mcdougle added three receptions for 22 yards and a score.

Backup quarterback Brett Hamilton also contributed, throwing for 43 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 42 yards on four carries.

Graceland's rushing game was led by Jean's 80-yard touchdown run, but multiple players contributed to the effort. McGlory had 10 carries for 64 yards and a touchdown, while Hamilton added 42 yards on the ground. In total, the Yellowjackets averaged 6.5 yards per rush.

Graceland's defense was dominant throughout the game, particularly in containing Central Methodist's rushing attack, which finished with -28 yards on 37 carries. Defensive end Charles Phoenix recorded one of Graceland's two sacks, while linebacker Ethan Owen contributed five tackles and a sack.

In addition to Trimbolio's pick-six, Graceland intercepted Central Methodist three times, with Cam Mitchell Johnson and Matthew Elliott also recording interceptions. Graceland forced four fumbles, recovering one, and consistently pressured Central Methodist's quarterbacks, leading to poor offensive execution.

Graceland finished with 27 first downs compared to Central Methodist's 12. The Yellowjackets were also highly efficient on third down, converting 47% of its attempts, while Central Methodist only converted 38%. The Eagles struggled in nearly every offensive category, including time of possession, where Graceland held a slight advantage (30:02 to 28:38).

With this victory, Graceland has now won two of its first three games. The Yellowjackets will look to build on this performance as they face a key Heart of America conference game next week on the road against MidAmerica Nazarene University.

Game Summary:

  • Final Score: Graceland 62, Central Methodist 12
  • Passing: Luke Dodd – 22/33, 213 yards, 4 TDs; Brett Hamilton – 2/6, 43 yards, 1 TD
  • Rushing: Tael Jean – 2 carries, 80 yards, 1 TD; Jamon McGlory – 10 carries, 64 yards, 1 TD
  • Receiving: Gerald Monroe – 7 receptions, 104 yards, 1 TD; Alex Beard – 4 receptions, 37 yards, 1 TD
  • Defense: Zion Trimbolio – 3 tackles, 1 INT, 1 TD; Ethan Owen – 5 tackles, 1 sack

Graceland now turns its attention to conference foe MidAmerica Nazarene University, with kickoff set for 6:00 PM next Saturday in Olathe, KS.