Graceland Football Overwhelms William Woods in Season Opener, 71–28

LAMONI, Iowa — The Graceland University Yellowjackets opened their 2025 football season with a resounding 71–28 victory over William Woods University at home on Saturday afternoon. Graceland (1-0, 0-0 Heart of America Athletic Conference North) rolled up 617 yards of total offense and forced five turnovers en route to a dominant win that saw them score touchdowns in all three phases of the game.

The offensive unit was explosive, the defense opportunistic, and special teams produced momentum-shifting plays early that broke the game open.

"We're proud of the team in all phases," said head coach Phil Staback. "At times it was not pretty and we have a lot of things to clean up, but the goal is to get better every day. 'Win The Day' is the approach, and I love the fight this team has. We are going to fly around in all three phases. It's a very close-knit team that has each other's backs. We've got a lot of work left with a big road trip next week, but we're excited to get back to work tomorrow."

First Quarter Surge Sets Tone

The Yellowjackets needed just one play to ignite the scoreboard. CJ Brooks connected with Gerald Monroe for a 40-yard touchdown on the game's opening snap. The score started a first-quarter avalanche that included two more touchdown passes from Brooks, a short-yardage run by Javon Minor, and a blocked punt returned 30 yards for a touchdown by Dunte Filmore. Graceland led 27–0 before the first quarter ended.

Brooks was efficient under center, completing 12 of 18 passes for 169 yards and five touchdowns, spreading the ball to six different receivers.

Second Quarter Firestorm

William Woods (0-2, 0-0 AMC) got on the board early in the second quarter with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Clayton Byer to Jorden Matlock. However, Graceland responded with a two-play, 67-yard drive capped by a 7-yard touchdown to PJ Caldwell. Just seconds later, the Owls returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, but that would be their final highlight of the half.

The Yellowjackets added four more touchdowns before halftime, including another from Brooks to Monroe, a 1-yard plunge from Weston Trapp, and a 10-yard connection again to Caldwell. Backup quarterback Gerald Monroe also threw a touchdown — a 57-yard strike to Filmore. At halftime, Graceland led 61–12.

Balanced Offensive Attack

Graceland piled up 347 rushing yards on 44 attempts, averaging 7.9 yards per carry. Minor led all rushers with 21 carries for 176 yards and two touchdowns, while Trapp contributed 84 yards and a touchdown. Freshman TJ Tharpe broke off a 52-yard rush and quarterback Elijah Ortiz added 23 yards on the ground.

In the receiving game, Monroe totaled 123 yards on five catches with two scores. Aaron Bullock, PJ Caldwell, and Filmore each caught touchdown passes.

Defensive Takeaways Fuel Dominance

The defense recorded three interceptions, one each from Antonio Brunson, Elijah Dunbar, and Daylan Jefferson, who returned his pick to midfield. Antonio Reed added two sacks for a loss of 13 yards, while Zion Trimboli recovered a fumble and returned it 25 yards to set up a score.

Graceland's defense limited William Woods to just 22 rushing yards on 26 attempts (0.8 yards per carry) and allowed only eight first downs via the ground game.

Special Teams Impact

Special teams play was a major factor in Graceland's quick scoring. Filmore's blocked punt touchdown, the 30-yard return, and three interceptions combined to provide the offense short fields and extend the lead. Aiden Freeman went 8-for-9 on PATs and added a 38-yard field goal. He also handled kickoff duties with 12 kicks totaling 481 yards.

Team Statistics Overview

Graceland outgained the Owls 617–289 in total yards, including a corrected 240–267 edge through the air and a 347–22 advantage on the ground. The Yellowjackets converted 8 of 12 third-down opportunities (67%), while William Woods struggled at just 1 of 12 (8%). Graceland also held a +5 turnover margin and scored touchdowns on 5 of the 6 drives following a takeaway or special teams play.

Time of possession slightly favored the Owls (31:41 to 28:19), but Graceland's offensive efficiency and big-play ability neutralized the differential.

Scoring Summary (Key Drives)

• 1st Quarter:

  • Brooks to Monroe, 40-yard TD (14:50)

  • Brooks to Bullock, 26-yard TD (6:34)

  • Minor, 1-yard rush TD (3:17)

  • Blocked punt TD, Filmore return (1:19)

• 2nd Quarter:

  • Brooks to Caldwell, 7-yard TD (13:26)

  • Monroe to Filmore, 57-yard TD (11:07)

  • Trapp, 1-yard rush TD (3:53)

  • Brooks to Monroe, 11-yard TD (2:26)

  • Brooks to Caldwell, 10-yard TD (1:12)

• 3rd Quarter:

  • Minor, 1-yard rush TD (11:21)

  • Freeman, 38-yard FG (1:11)

Coach Staback on the Program's Direction

"We've got a lot of work left with a big road trip next week," said Staback. "But the energy and effort from this group today was everything we needed to see from a season opener. We'll be better for the reps we got today."

Up Next

Graceland will hit the road next Saturday, Sept. 13, for a marquee early-season matchup against Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. CT.

The Ravens are 1-1 following a demanding schedule that included a 38–34 win over No. 3 Morningside and a narrow 27–24 loss to No. 1 Grand View.

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