Football Drops Season Opener at Graceland

Football opened their season on the road Saturday as they took on Graceland (Iowa). It marked the first meeting between the two programs since they last met in 1968. The Yellowjackets jumped out early and posted a 42-17 win over the Tigers.

Graceland was able to attack the Tigers through the air, throwing for 430 yards on 17-of-34 passing. The Yellowjackets were able to complete 10 passes for 20 yards or more and five touchdowns. The top receiver was Gerald Moore as he pulled in 10 receptions for 272 yards and four touchdowns.

For the Tigers, they collected 247 yards of total offense. Cruz Kirwan threw for 169 yards on 19-of-42 passing. He had one touchdown pass, a 22-yard completion to Jayboc Garcia. Jeremiah Payne led the team with nine receptions for 69 yards.

Frazzie Wynn led the ground attack with 63 yards. Trystan Graf added 26 yards and a touchdown.

In the kicking game, Kelen Meyer was 1-for-1 in field goal attempts, converting a 23-yard attempt for the first points of the season. He added two extra points. Meyer had seven punt attempts for 223 yards on the day.

Defensively, three players tied for team-high honors with three total tackles. Meyer and Reece Zutavern had three solo tackles while Ty Martinsen recorded one solo and two assist tackles. Zutavern added a forced fumble and a recovery.  Jarett Boggs recorded two tackles, both sacks to cover 12 yards. The defense forced three turnovers, all fumbles.

Doane will take the field again on September 2 when they start conference play. The Tigers will host Dordt at 1 PM. It will be the season opener for the Defenders.