Graceland Falls 28–21 in Late Push Against Culver-Stockton on Homecoming Weekend

LAMONI, Iowa – Despite a strong offensive showing and two long touchdown strikes from freshman quarterback TJ Shanks (Kansas City, Mo.), the Graceland University Yellowjackets came up short in a 28–21 loss to Culver-Stockton College during their annual Homecoming game Saturday afternoon at Jenner Sports Complex.

The loss drops Graceland to 2–3 overall and 0–2 in Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) play, while the Wildcats improved to 4–1 and 2–0 in league action. A large Homecoming crowd filled the stands, creating an electric atmosphere that fueled an early Graceland surge before Culver-Stockton's second-half comeback.

The Yellowjackets built early momentum behind Shanks' efficient passing and a standout receiving performance from Aaron Bullock II (Mays Landing, N.J.), but three second-half turnovers and a 21-point third quarter from Culver-Stockton proved to be the difference. Graceland outgained the Wildcats 450–443 in total offense, but time of possession (47:41–27:19) and penalties (13 for 126 yards) tilted the balance toward the visitors.

First Half: Graceland Starts Fast Through the Air

The Yellowjackets opened the Homecoming matchup with sharp execution on both sides of the ball. After forcing a punt on Culver-Stockton's first possession, Shanks led Graceland on a six-play, 82-yard scoring drive, capped by a 19-yard touchdown pass to Bullock. Sophomore kicker Aiden Freeman (Nevada, Iowa) added the extra point to make it 7–0.

In the second quarter, Shanks and Bullock connected again, this time on a 72-yard strike down the right sideline. The one-play drive, taking just 13 seconds, gave Graceland a 14–0 lead with 8:01 left before halftime. Bullock finished with seven receptions for 201 yards and two touchdowns, averaging nearly 29 yards per catch.

Culver-Stockton responded just before halftime, cutting the margin to 14–7 on a 12-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Liam Thornton to receiver Jaqorian Wiggle.

Defensively, senior Zion Trimboli (Orlando, Fla.) led the early effort with nine tackles and an interception, while Jacob Morales (Round Rock, Texas) added nine stops from his linebacker spot. The Graceland secondary disrupted Thornton's rhythm early, forcing several incompletions and limiting explosive plays through the first half.

Third Quarter: Wildcats Seize Momentum

The second half began with a swing in momentum as Culver-Stockton capitalized on short fields and Graceland miscues. After forcing a quick punt, the Wildcats tied the game on a 20-yard touchdown pass from Thornton to Jason Davenport. On the next series, a strip-sack fumble by Graceland gave Culver-Stockton possession again, and Thornton immediately connected with Kyle Dixon for a 35-yard touchdown, giving the Wildcats their first lead at 21–14.

Culver-Stockton extended the margin later in the quarter with a 2-yard touchdown run by Tajh Washington, completing a six-play, 63-yard drive that made it 28–14. Graceland's offense struggled to regain rhythm in the third quarter, slowed by penalties and backfield pressure from the Wildcats' front four.

Freshman quarterback Shanks finished 21-of-36 for 309 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. He added 23 yards rushing, while running back Javon Minor (Belton, Miss.) paced the ground game with 111 yards and one touchdown on 23 carries.

Fourth Quarter: Late Rally Falls Just Short

The Yellowjackets mounted a late comeback in front of their Homecoming crowd. After a defensive stand near the goal line, Shanks led a 75-yard drive featuring key completions to PJ Caldwell (Kansas City, Mo.) and Jason Wagoner (West Lake Village, Calif.). The drive ended on a fourth-and-goal from the one-yard line, with the Wildcats holding firm.

With just over five minutes to play, the Graceland defense forced a punt, giving Shanks and the offense another chance. The freshman delivered again, orchestrating a four-play, 40-yard drive that ended with Minor's 7-yard touchdown run. Freeman's extra point brought Graceland within 28–21 with 1:25 left.

The ensuing onside kick attempt bounced high but was recovered by Culver-Stockton, who ran out the clock to seal the win. Despite the defeat, Graceland's effort energized the Homecoming crowd and showcased the program's growing offensive potential under first-year starters.

Team and Player Highlights

Graceland's offensive balance stood out, with 309 passing yards and 141 rushing yards. Bullock's 201-yard outing marked the team's highest individual receiving total of the season and one of the top performances in the NAIA this week. Wagoner added four catches for 35 yards, while Caldwell contributed three receptions for 23 yards on key third downs.

On special teams, Brice Taylor (Mandeville, La.) provided a spark with 98 kickoff return yards, including a 44-yard return that set up favorable field position early in the second half. Freeman went a perfect 3-for-3 on extra points and averaged 36.5 yards per kickoff.

Defensively, Trimboli and Morales combined for 18 total tackles, while senior Antonio Brunson (Killeen, Texas) tallied eight tackles and one tackle for loss. Defensive lineman Preston Clark (San Antonio, Texas) added a sack and consistent interior pressure. Freshman linebacker Cole Milks (Mount Union, Iowa) recorded a blocked punt in the second quarter, Graceland's second in as many weeks.

The defense held Culver-Stockton scoreless in the fourth quarter and limited the Wildcats to 4-of-16 on third downs, but costly penalties extended several drives in the middle quarters.

Coach's Perspective

Following the game, Head Coach Phil Staback reflected on his team's performance and the challenges of maintaining consistency across four quarters.

"I thought we played really well at times both sides of the ball," Staback said. "We started faster the first half but very slow in the second. We need to learn how to stay composed—never too high, never too low. Adversity is always gonna hit throughout the game. It's football, and they are going to make plays on their end too. We have to keep focusing on the next play and not dwell on past mistakes."

Staback praised the Homecoming atmosphere and the energy from the Graceland community, noting the support as a motivator for the team moving forward.

"The crowd was incredible today," he added. "We're grateful for the support from alumni, students, and families. Now it's about regrouping, refocusing, and getting ready for the next challenge."

Looking Ahead

The Yellowjackets will use next week's bye to recover and prepare for another key conference matchup. Graceland returns to action on Saturday, October 18, traveling to Davenport, Iowa, to face St. Ambrose University at Jack and Pat Bush Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. CDT.

The matchup will mark Graceland's fourth road game of the season and another opportunity to build on offensive progress behind Shanks, Bullock, and Minor.

For more information on Graceland University football and all Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.