Graceland Show's Resilience Against Nation’s Top Team in 21–10 Setback

LAMONI, Iowa – Nov. 1, 2025 — The Graceland University Yellowjackets stood tall against the No. 1-ranked, undefeated, and defending NAIA national champion Grand View Vikings, dropping a hard-fought 21–10 contest Saturday afternoon at Huntsman Field in Lamoni. Despite facing one of the most explosive offenses in the nation, the Yellowjackets limited Grand View to zero second-half points and forced two turnovers, highlighting the defense's grit in front of the home crowd.

With the loss, Graceland falls to 1-4 in Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) play and 3-5 overall. Grand View improves to 8-0 overall and 5-0 in conference, maintaining their national No. 1 ranking.

"We played the most complete defensive half we've had all season, and against the best team in the country," said Graceland head coach Phil Staback. "There's no moral victories in this program, but there is progress—and we showed a lot of it today. Holding them scoreless after halftime is a testament to the effort and preparation our guys put in."

First Half Struggles Give Way to Second Half Grit

Grand View struck early and often in the first half, building a 21–3 halftime lead behind three touchdown passes from senior quarterback Jackson Waring, including scoring connections of 12, 64, and 17 yards. The Yellowjackets countered in the second quarter with a 31-yard field goal by Aiden Freeman, which capped a 38-yard drive sparked by key receptions from Gerald Monroe and Jason Wagoner.

The final touchdown of the game came with 6:02 left in the fourth quarter, when quarterback TJ Shanks connected with Monroe on a 15-yard touchdown strike, capping a quick 5-play, 56-yard drive. Freeman's extra point cut the deficit to 11, but the Jackets were unable to capitalize on an onside kick recovery that followed.

Defensive Unit Stands Tall

Graceland's defense emerged as the story of the second half. After allowing 21 points on three first-half drives, the Yellowjackets held Grand View to just 108 total second-half yards, including two forced fumbles and an interception by Andrew Stephens. Defensive linemen Preston Clark and Jacob Morales combined for a late-game sack, while Antonio Brunson added another in the third quarter to keep the Viking offense off balance.

Graceland also recovered two Grand View fumbles and held the Vikings to just 17% (2-of-12) on third down, matching their own third-down struggles on the other side of the ball.

"We challenged the defense at halftime, and they answered," Staback noted. "We forced them into long-yardage situations, we pressured the quarterback, and our secondary made adjustments."

Offensive Production Shows Bright Spots

Despite facing a relentless Grand View front seven, Graceland tallied 356 yards of total offense, nearly matching the Vikings' 367 yards. Quarterback TJ Shanks completed 25-of-48 passes for 253 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He also added 3 rushes on the ground. Wideout Gerald Monroe was Shanks' top target, hauling in 8 receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown, while freshman Aaron Bullock I added 95 yards on 5 receptions, including a key 26-yard gain that set up a scoring drive in the fourth quarter.

On the ground, senior Javon Minor shouldered the rushing load, posting 78 yards on 19 carries, averaging 4.1 yards per carry and helping control time of possession in the second half. Weston Trapp added a 20-yard burst late in the fourth quarter as Graceland tried to mount a comeback.

Key Team and Individual Statistics

• Total Offense: Grand View 367 yards, Graceland 356 yards

• First Downs: Both teams with 22

• Time of Possession: Grand View 31:56, Graceland 26:52

• Turnovers: Grand View 3 (1 INT, 2 FUM), Graceland 3 (2 INTs, 1 on downs)

• Sacks: Both teams registered 2 sacks

Graceland's special teams remained solid, with Aiden Freeman converting on his lone field goal attempt and extra point. He also executed an onside kick that was successfully recovered in the fourth quarter, though the Jackets were unable to convert on the ensuing possession.

Toughness Against the Top

Despite the defeat, the Yellowjackets' performance drew praise across the board, especially given Grand View's dominant resume. The Vikings entered the contest averaging over 40 points per game and had not allowed more than 14 points all season. Graceland's 10-point showing and second-half shutout of the top-ranked team underscores the program's growing competitiveness under Coach Staback.

"It's not where we start but where we finish," Staback added. "We've taken our lumps, but we've gotten tougher, more disciplined, and more unified. That shows up in a 21–10 score against a team like Grand View."

Next Up: Road Test at William Penn

The Yellowjackets will look to build on this performance next week as they travel to face William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa on Saturday, Nov. 8. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM CST at Statesmen Community Stadium, where the Statesmen will celebrate Senior Day.

For more information on Graceland men's football and all Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.co