Graceland Returning All-American Catches 5 TD Passes In Jackets Season Opening Win

Returning All-American Gerald Monroe had five touchdown catches and 272 yards receiving as Graceland won their season opener for 2023. Graceland’s Yellowjackets defeated Doane University 42-17 in their season opening game at Huntsman Field Saturday afternoon. Quarterback Case Ross returned from a shoulder injury that cost him the last half of the 2022 season with his first start since that injury and threw for 430 yards, completing 17 of 34 passes. He also ran for a touchdown in the third period.

Graceland scored on their first possession when Gerald Monroe caught his first pass for a touchdown with 12:20 remaining in the first quarter. Doane countered with a field goal, but Graceland would score two more before the end of the quarter. After a muffed punt, Gerald Monroe caught a 34-yard TD pass from Cade Ross on a fourth down play. He added another 54 yard catch from Ross with 33 seconds remaining in the first quarter to give Graceland a 21-3 lead.

Doane took advantage of good field position set up by a muffed punt to score on a 6-yard run and get to within 21-10 with just under 10 minutes remaining in the second quarter. But the Yellowjackets scored with just under a minute remaining in the half on Monroe’s fourth touchdown catch.

Doane the second half with the ball, but Graceland got a stop and started to pull away. Cade Ross had a 1 yard run. Reggie Wilson scored to cap six-play drive about six and a half minutes later in the third. Graceland got a safety off of blocked punt with 3:37 remaining in a third.

Doane the final touchdown with just under 3 minutes remaining in the game. Graceland had 552 yards of total offense in the game. Graceland ran for 122 yards. The rushing game was led by a Adarius Thomas who had eight carries for 72 yards. Defensively, Graceland recovered a couple fumbles and had one interception.

Graceland moves to 1-0 on the season and will start the conference play next Saturday evening when they will play in Fayette against Central Methodist.

Postgame Interview with Graceland Head Coach Pat Ross