Graceland Takes Season Opener from Football in Crete

Football opened the 2024 season on Saturday with a home contest against Graceland. The Tigers hung in early before the Yellowjackets aerial attack was able to create some separation for a 49-11 win over Doane.

Graceland took the opening possession of the game in for a touchdown following a 13-play drive. Doane responded back behind a 40-yard kickoff return by Andrew Brown. The Tigers used eight plays and found the end zone on a Sam Hartman seven-yard run. Cade Wiseman ran in the two-point conversion for an 8-7 lead.

The Yellowjackets regained the lead, 14-8, following a six-play drive. The third Graceland possession started in Tiger territory but on the first play, Jarett Boggs intercepted a pass to give Doane the ball back. The Tigers were able to get away from their own end zone with 29 yards of offense before having to punt.

The Doane defense came up with another stop, this time holding the Yellowjackets on downs four minutes into the second quarter. Following a Kelen Meyer punt that pinned Graceland at the 13-yard line, the Yellowjackets were able to cover 87 yards on seven plays to get in the end zone for a 21-8 lead. A Doane turnover in the final minute setup the final score of the quarter as Graceland scored on a 45-yard pass with 32 seconds left in the opening half. The Yellowjackets led 28-8 at the break.

The Tigers took the first possession of the second half down to the Graceland 20-yard line. The Yellowjackets stopped the Tigers on downs and took their first possession of the half down for a score on seven plays. Doane was forced to punt on their next possession as Meyer hit a 59-yard punt. However, Graceland was able to return the ball for a 77-yard touchdown and a 42-8 lead. 

After a 55-yard punt by Meyer, Graceland drove the field once again only to see Jaheim Fuller intercept a pass near the end zone to give Doane the ball back. The Yellowjackets picked up an interception of their own on the first Tiger play to regain possession. Three plays later, Graceland hit on a 50-yard touchdown pass to close out the third quarter.

Doane's first possession of the fourth quarter covered 10 plays as Meyer converted a 41-yard field goal attempt for the final scoring of the game.

Hartman completed 16-of-25 pass attempts for 114 yards with a rushing touchdown. John DeRiso pulled in nine receptions for 79 yards as six different players had a reception. James Miles III posted 47 yards rushing on 15 carries.

Meyer finished with seven punts for a 45.7 average while going 1-for-1 on field goal attempts.

Graceland receiver Gerald Monroe finished with 16 receptions for 387 yards and five touchdowns.

Tanner Simdorn was in on nine tackles for the Tigers. Lucas Christensen added six tackles, including four solo. Aaron Reyes and Boggs added five total tackles apiece. Wiseman finished with four pass breakups in the game.

Next up for the Tigers will be the conference opener. Doane will host Briar Cliff at 1 PM on Saturday, September 7, in Crete.