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GRACELAND UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Graceland Falls Short Against Grand View in Heart North Title Game

Graceland Falls Short Against Grand View in Heart North Title Game

DES MOINES, IA – In a game filled with grit and determination, the Graceland University Yellowjackets fell 31-13 to the undefeated and second-ranked Grand View University Vikings. Despite missing key starters, including All-American wide receiver Gerald Monroe (ankle) and starting quarterback Cade Ross (left hand), Graceland fought valiantly, taking an early 10-0 lead before the Vikings pulled away in the second half.

The loss ends the Yellowjackets' season at (7-4, 4-1 in Heart North play), likely leaving them just outside the NAIA playoff field. Grand View (10-0, 5-0) clinches the Heart North Division title and an automatic bid to the NAIA playoffs.

Graceland's third-string quarterback Brett Hamilton stepped into the spotlight, delivering a poised performance under challenging circumstances. Hamilton orchestrated an impressive opening drive that resulted in a 44-yard field goal by Jacob Collett, giving the Yellowjackets a 3-0 lead midway through the first quarter.

Late in the first quarter, Hamilton connected with Jamon McGlory on a perfectly executed 21-yard touchdown pass, extending Graceland's lead to 10-0. The touchdown capped a six-play, 44-yard drive, showcasing the Yellowjackets' offensive efficiency early on.

Grand View's offense, led by quarterback Jackson Waring, found its rhythm in the second quarter. Waring's seven-yard rushing touchdown midway through the frame cut the deficit to 10-7. Following a Graceland turnover, Waring connected with Triston Williams for a 25-yard touchdown pass, giving the Vikings a 14-10 advantage with under two minutes remaining in the half.

Graceland responded with a two-minute drill led by Hamilton, culminating in a 26-yard field goal from Collett as time expired. The Yellowjackets trailed 14-13 at halftime but remained competitive against one of the NAIA's top teams.

The second half belonged to Grand View, whose physicality on both sides of the ball proved decisive. The Vikings opened the third quarter with a 28-yard field goal by Justyn Hamm to extend their lead to 17-13. Running back Tate Stine-Smith then took over, scoring two rushing touchdowns, including a 31-yard breakaway run, to seal the victory.

Graceland's offense struggled to gain momentum in the second half, limited to just 97 rushing yards on the day. Hamilton finished 8-of-20 for 115 passing yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Despite the adversity, the Yellowjackets' resilience was evident throughout the game.

The Yellowjacket defense delivered several key plays, including a first-quarter sack by Kevin Orange Jr. that forced a Grand View punt. Zion Trimboli's second-quarter interception set up a Graceland drive in Vikings territory, though it ultimately ended with a punt.

Grand View's balanced attack ultimately wore down the Yellowjacket defense. The Vikings outgained Graceland 392-212 in total offense, including 217 rushing yards. Stine-Smit led the way with 87 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries.

Head Coach Patrick Ross praised his team's effort despite the disappointing outcome.

"I'm very proud of our team's effort today and throughout the entire season," Ross said. "We played hard and left everything we had on the field. As a coaching staff, that's all we can ask for. We were confident we could come in today and compete. Our goal was to win the game, but Grand View did what Grand View does. They have a solid team and will hopefully go on and represent the Heart of America North with a run in the playoffs. Now we have to keep trending up and get better for next season."

The loss caps off an inspiring season for the Yellowjackets, who overcame injuries and adversity to finish 6-4 overall and 4-1 in Heart North play. Gerald Monroe's absence was felt in Saturday's game, as the star wide receiver had dominated opponents all season, leading the NAIA in receiving yards and touchdowns. Without Monroe and Ross, Graceland's offense relied on a young and inexperienced lineup, but their effort highlighted the program's potential moving forward.

Key Statistics

  • Brett Hamilton (Graceland): 8-of-20 passing for 115 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT; 33 rushing yards on 11 carries.
  • Jamon McGlory (Graceland): 16 carries for 53 yards; 2 receptions for 25 yards and 1 TD.
  • Jacob Collett (Graceland): 2-of-2 on field goals (44, 26 yards).
  • Tate Stine-Smith (Grand View): 14 carries for 87 yards, 2 TDs.
  • Jackson Waring (Grand View): 11-of-25 passing for 175 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT; 35 rushing yards and 1 TD.

Grand View secures the Heart North Division title and an automatic berth in the NAIA's 20-team playoff field. The Vikings are poised to contend for a national championship, boasting one of the nation's most balanced rosters.

For Graceland, the loss likely means falling short of the postseason despite a strong campaign. The Yellowjackets will aim to build on this year's success as they prepare for the 2025 season.

With a promising core of returning players and a strong recruiting pipeline, Graceland is poised to remain a contender in the Heart of America North. The Yellowjackets will look to address key areas, including offensive depth and special teams, as they aim to make a playoff push next season.

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