Fifth Straight Win Puts Graceland at Best Record Since 2005 Playoff Run

LAMONI, Iowa – The Graceland football team secured a hard-fought 28-23 victory over St. Ambrose University on Saturday at Huntsman Field, extending its winning streak to five games. Today's win marks the Yellowjackets' best season performance since their 2005 playoff run. Graceland jumped out to an early lead, holding off a fourth-quarter surge by St. Ambrose to improve its season record to 7-2 overall and 4-0 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC).

The game began with an explosive opening drive, as quarterback Cade Ross led a five-play, 79-yard series capped by his own eight-yard rushing touchdown. Just minutes later, Ross connected with wide receiver Gerald Monroe on a 54-yard touchdown pass, putting Graceland up 14-0. St. Ambrose cut into the lead with a field goal by Joe Namio, but the Yellowjackets continued their offensive assault in the second quarter, with Ross finding PJ Caldwell in the end zone on a 12-yard touchdown pass, completing a 16-play, 90-yard drive.

Despite heavy rain in the second half, Graceland's offense showed resilience, adapting their ground and passing game to sustain drives. Ross orchestrated a steady offensive pace, converting critical third downs and maintaining a balanced attack that wore down the Fighting Bees' defense. The Yellowjackets controlled possession for over 30 minutes, effectively dictating the game's rhythm.

On defense, Graceland made timely stops, with linebacker Jacob Morales and safety Dolyal Bickham leading with 11 and 10 tackles, respectively. Defensive linemen Emariye Louden and Kevin Orange Jr. each recorded key sacks in the second half, stifling St. Ambrose's comeback attempts.

Graceland held a 21-10 lead at halftime, but the Fighting Bees responded in the third quarter with a 12-yard touchdown run by Maximo Vasquez, narrowing the gap to 21-17. In response, Ross directed an eight-play, 42-yard drive, capped by a 24-yard touchdown pass to Deajaun McDougl, reestablishing a comfortable lead at 28-17.

St. Ambrose managed one more touchdown late in the fourth quarter, but the Yellowjackets' disciplined defense, including a crucial interception by Cam Mitchell-Johnson, sealed the victory. The Yellowjackets ran out the clock to end St. Ambrose's final threat.

"A game like this strengthens a team," said Graceland Head Coach Pat Ross. "St. Ambrose's players and coaches competed every play, and it was great to see our guys stay the course and find a way to win. We made key plays and endured tough situations in all phases of the game. This is a great win for the program, and while we have more work to do, I expect us to get better each week."

Ross finished the day with 395 passing yards, completing 24 of 52 attempts with three touchdowns and two interceptions. His primary targets, McDougle and Monroe, recorded impressive performances, with McDougle amassing 190 receiving yards on eight catches and Monroe adding 137 yards on seven receptions. Running back Jamon McGlory added stability to the ground game, amassing 98 rushing yards on 19 carries.

For St. Ambrose, quarterback Tomele Staples threw for 178 yards and two touchdowns but was intercepted twice by Graceland's secondary. His primary receiver, Charles Jones, put up a strong showing with 122 receiving yards on six receptions. However, key defensive stands by Graceland, including a first-quarter interception by Zion Trimboli, halted critical drives.

Special teams played a role as well, with Graceland kicker Jacob Collett converting all four extra points. Punter Parker Kerf's precision punts helped maintain field position late in the game, supporting the defensive effort. Graceland also forced three fumbles, recovering two, disrupting St. Ambrose's offensive rhythm.

With this victory, Graceland has now won five consecutive games and sits atop the HAAC North standings, reflecting its most successful season since the playoff-bound team of 2005. The Yellowjackets will seek to continue their winning momentum next Saturday when they face Missouri Baptist at Huntsman Field, on senior day, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m.

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