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GRACELAND UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Yellowjackets Clamp Down on Peru State, Pick Up First Heart North Win

Yellowjackets Clamp Down on Peru State, Pick Up First Heart North Win

Box Score
Graceland
(3-4)
31
AT
Peru State
(4-4)
19
Game Leaders
Peru State
Pa: CJ Dixon - 264
Ru: Stacian Livingston - 46
Rec: Bryant Thomas - 69
Graceland
Pa: TJ Shanks - 236
Ru: Javon Minor - 119
Rec: Aaron Bullock II - 99
Team Stats

PERU, Neb. – The Graceland University football team secured a much-needed win on Saturday afternoon, defeating Heart North Division rival Peru State, 31-19, at the Oak Bowl. The Yellowjackets improved to 3-4 overall and 1-3 in Heart North play, while the Bobcats fell to 4-4 (1-2 Heart North).

After a sluggish start that saw Graceland fall behind 13-0 in the first quarter, the Yellowjackets responded with 31 unanswered points, fueled by explosive plays on offense and a stingy defense that forced three sacks, two interceptions, and five quarterback hurries.

"We played as a team today," said Graceland head coach Phil Staback. "Players and staff did a great job preparing this week. The team stayed together through adversity, especially early in the first when we weren't playing well. The defense did a heck of a job containing the quarterback and creating turnovers. Offensively, we did a better job of taking care of the football this week. We are learning from our mistakes, which is the goal. Now we got to raise the bar higher this week, but we are going to enjoy this much-needed win today and get ready for Grand View tomorrow."

GAME SUMMARY

Peru State opened the scoring with two first-quarter touchdowns, including a 36-yard strike from CJ Dixon to Daylan Jones and a short 4-yard pass to Amahd Bacon following a Yellowjackets interception. But from that point forward, the Graceland defense took control.

Graceland kicker Aiden Freeman put the Jackets on the board with a 32-yard field goal in the final seconds of the opening quarter, trimming the deficit to 13-3.

The momentum shifted in the second quarter. Running back Javon Minor, who was a factor both on the ground and in spot passing duty, helped spark the comeback. Minor connected with Marlon Prout Jr for a 4-yard touchdown, then set up another score with a 29-yard run, leading to TJ Shanks' 2-yard quarterback keeper for a touchdown. Graceland took its first lead, 17-13, with 7:22 remaining in the second.

On the next drive, defensive back Zion Trimboli came up with a key interception—the first of his two on the day—giving Graceland prime field position. The Yellowjackets capitalized with Shanks hitting Aaron Bullock II for a 7-yard touchdown, sending the game into halftime with Graceland leading 24-13.

The only score of the third quarter came on the first play of a short field drive, when Shanks found Jason Wagoner for a 38-yard touchdown off a broken coverage, widening the margin to 31-13.

Peru State would find the end zone one more time in the fourth quarter on a 17-yard reception by Chaz Sturn, but the Jackets' defense held firm, denying any chance of a Bobcat comeback.

KEY PERFORMERS

  • TJ Shanks rebounded from a rough start to finish 17-for-32 for 236 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He also added a rushing touchdown.

  • Javon Minor led the ground attack with 119 rushing yards on 23 carries and threw a touchdown pass to Caldwell.

  • Aaron Bullock II paced the receivers with five receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown.

  • Jason Wagoner hauled in six catches for 96 yards, including the decisive 38-yard TD.

  • Zion Trimboli had a standout game defensively, recording two interceptions and five total tackles.

  • Andrew Stephens and Preston Clark anchored the pass rush, combining for 1.5 sacks and multiple pressures.

  • Aiden Freeman was perfect on extra points (4-for-4) and converted a field goal.

TEAM STATS

  • Total Offense: Graceland 360 yards, Peru State 341 yards

  • Passing Yards: Graceland 240, Peru State 264

  • Rushing Yards: Graceland 120, Peru State 77

  • Turnovers Forced: Graceland 3 (2 INTs, 1 blocked punt)

  • Sacks: Graceland 3, Peru State 2

  • Time of Possession: Nearly even — Graceland 30:06, Peru State 29:54

DEFENSIVE DOMINANCE

Graceland's defense was critical in the victory. In addition to the two interceptions, the Yellowjackets also held Peru State scoreless in the second and third quarters, forced seven pass breakups, and generated consistent pressure.

Key defensive contributors included:

The defensive effort helped neutralize Peru quarterback CJ Dixon, despite his 264 passing yards. Graceland's pass rush and coverage forced Dixon into 45 pass attempts and two critical interceptions.

LOOKING AHEAD

The Yellowjackets will return to action on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 1:00 PM CDT, hosting #1-ranked Grand View at Huntsman Field in Lamoni, Iowa. Graceland will look to carry this performance forward as they prepare to face one of the top teams in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.

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