Pioneers Run Win Streak to Three Games!

Under unseasonably warm conditions the host Grinnell Pioneers defeated the visitors from Knox 43-35 at Rosenbloom Field.  It was a tightly contested game until just into the fourth quarter when the Scarlet & Black ripped off 3 straight scores in a 4 minute span to take control of the game.

Kickoff Coverage Unit
Courtesy:  Caleb Williams, d3photography.com

Statistically, the defense was led by Ryan Creps '12 who had 12 tackles (3.5 TFL) and Andrew Clark '14 (2 INT) while the offense was paced by the two senior wide receivers, Logan Granera '12 (7 catches for 101 yards) and Rob Seer '12 (6 for 99 yards and 3 TD).  In the kicking game, Max Jacobson '14 blocked his second kick of the season, this one a PAT attempt after Knox's third score.

The victory takes the Pioneers to 4-2 overall (3-2 in MWC) and it's back on the road next Saturday, at Lawrence University (1-5, 1-4 MWC) in Appleton, Wisconsin.

Players of the week are:
Offense:  Jason Peters '14
Defense: Andrew Clark '14
Special Teams:  Kickoff Unit
Rookie:  Emmi Sandoval '15
Practice: Max Jacobson '14

 See the official game story here.

Grinnell Secures Winning Season!

The Grinnell College football team came up with a stellar effort in its final regular-season home game Saturday, and secured its first winning season since 2004 in the process with a 42-29 victory over Illinois College at Rosenbloom Field.

Illinois College entered the game in a tie for the Midwest Conference lead, but now falls to 5-3 in the league while Grinnell improves to the same record. That puts those two in a five-way tie for second place in the MWC. Grinnell is 6-3 overall and the Blueboys are 5-4.

Jason Peters ’14 (pictured) had a huge day for the Pioneers with eight catches for 117 yards and a touchdown. Mike McCabe ’13 completed 21-of-36 aerials for 293 yards and four scores, while Logan Granera ’13 had five catches for 69 yards and a TD.

Grinnell’s defense shut down the high-octane Illinois College defense and intercepted last week’s Midwest Conference Offensive Performer of the Week, Mitch Niekamp, three times. The Pioneers were sparked by two defenders celebrating Senior Day, Marquis Bradley ’11 and Ryan Fletcher ’11, who each had 14 tackles. Ryan Creps ’12 added two interceptions.

See the game box score here.

The Pioneers take their 6-3 record up to Wisconsin this Saturday for the 2010 finale versus Carroll University (6-3, 5-3 in MWC).  The winner secures at least a share of 2nd place in the MWC and with a St. Norbert loss would earn a share of the MWC title.

Go Pioneers!