Graceland Falls to Missouri Valley in Late-Game Heartbreaker, 29-24
MARSHALL, Mo. – Graceland University's football team suffered a heart-wrenching 29-24 defeat against Missouri Valley College in a thrilling conference matchup on Saturday evening. The Yellowjackets (1-1) started strong with an explosive first quarter, but Missouri Valley mounted a steady comeback, culminating in a game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Graceland opened the game in commanding fashion, scoring 21 points in the first quarter. Running back Jamon McGlory started the scoring with a two-yard touchdown run, capping a 10-play, 58-yard drive that set the tone for what appeared to be a dominant offensive showing. Kicker Jacob Collett added the extra point, putting Graceland up 7-0 just over four minutes into the game.
Missouri Valley responded with a four-yard touchdown run from James Phillips, but the missed extra point kept Graceland in the lead at 7-6. The Yellowjackets quickly capitalized on their next possession, with quarterback Cade Ross orchestrating a five-play, 56-yard drive that culminated in a three-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Isiah Rivers-Rodriguez, extending Graceland's lead to 14-6.
Before the quarter ended, Ross connected again—this time with Gerald Monroe—on a 19-yard touchdown pass following a crucial interception by Charles Phoenix. Graceland capitalized on the favorable field position, needing just two plays to find the end zone. The Yellowjackets led 21-6 after the first quarter, a lead that showcased their offensive firepower and efficiency.
Missouri Valley adjusted defensively in the second quarter, stifling Graceland's offense and beginning its own steady climb back into the game. The Vikings' kicker Bruno Kincaid nailed a 27-yard field goal early in the quarter, cutting the deficit to 21-9. Kincaid's accuracy remained a pivotal part of Missouri Valley's offense as he hit two more field goals—one from 24 yards and a 37-yard kick with just two seconds remaining in the half. These drives were fueled by a combination of strong rushing from Rondarius Gregory and timely completions from quarterback Cole Robertson.
Despite maintaining the lead at halftime, Graceland saw its once-15-point cushion shrink to just six points, as it went into the locker room up 21-15.
The second half began with Graceland looking to extend its advantage, and it succeeded early in the third quarter. Collett hit a 27-yard field goal following a seven-play, 44-yard drive to put the Yellowjackets up 24-15. However, Missouri Valley responded swiftly. Robertson led a quick three-play drive, capping it with a 23-yard touchdown run. The Vikings converted a two-point attempt, closing the gap to just one point, 24-23, with three minutes left in the third quarter.
The momentum appeared to shift toward Missouri Valley as Graceland's offense began to sputter. A series of incomplete passes and penalties slowed the Yellowjackets' progress. Quarterback Luke Dodd, who relieved Ross, struggled to connect with his receivers, while McGlory continued to provide support on the ground.
Missouri Valley took the lead for the first time in the fourth quarter when Robertson scored on a three-yard run, completing a nine-play, 31-yard drive. Though the two-point conversion attempt failed, the Vikings held a 29-24 advantage with just over seven minutes left in the game.
Graceland had opportunities to reclaim the lead, but key turnovers and defensive stops from Missouri Valley thwarted its attempts. An interception by DJ Dailey cut short a promising drive late in the game, and another interception by Ryan Greenwood further dashed Graceland's hopes of a comeback. Both turnovers came as the Yellowjackets tried to move the ball through the air under pressure.
In the final moments, Graceland's defense managed to force a punt, giving the offense one last chance to mount a winning drive. However, the Yellowjackets were unable to convert on fourth down, and Missouri Valley held on for the victory.
Graceland's offense was highlighted by Ross, who completed 11 of 21 passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns. McGlory was a workhorse on the ground, rushing for 106 yards on 19 carries, while Monroe led the receivers with 52 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, Jacob Morales and Tavin Tharpe each recorded 10 tackles, with Charles Phoenix contributing a crucial interception in the first quarter. Despite its efforts, Graceland's defense couldn't contain Robertson, who ran for two touchdowns and passed for 113 yards.
With the tough loss, Graceland falls to 1-1 on the season and will look to rebound as they host Central Methodist in its home opener next Saturday, (September 14th) at Huntsman Field, on Ring of Honor/Family of Friends Weekend.
Stay tuned to GUjackets.com for continuing coverage of the Graceland football team and all of Yellowjacket athletics.