Football Falls to Graceland on Senior Day

DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Clarke football team dropped its home finale 30-7 to the Yellowjackets of Graceland University on Saturday afternoon at Dalzell Field. 

The Pride (3-5 overall, 0-3 Heart North) struggled to gain offensive momentum throughout the contest. Graceland's league-worst defense showed up to play, limiting Clarke to just 226 yards of total offense on 59 plays, while forcing three turnovers. 

The Yellowjackets (3-6, 1-2) scored fast and furious, opening the game with 23-stright points by way of three touchdowns and a safety all before halftime. The Pride got on the board midway through the third quarter when quarterback Kenyon Williams found Jaquan Graham for six after the sophomore wideout gained just enough separation by leaking out near the side of the endzone. 

Graceland responded immediately with a 12 play, 82-yard drive that was capped off with a 20-yard rush from running back Adarius Thomas, who finished the day with 203 yards and two touchdowns. Thomas' rushing total was matched by freshman quarterback Judd Roberts, who threw for 203 yards and two touchdowns in his second game of action this season.  

Williams finished the day 26 of 39 passing for 206 yards. On the ground, Craig Elmore was the top rusher with 15 yards, followed by Darius Hernandez with 13. Linebacker Bryan Valdes led the Pride defense with 13 total tackles, while Courtney Mables and Griffin Mulcahy tied for the lead in tackles for loss with 1.5. Logan Otting and Mark Edwards IV each notched interceptions, while safety Kenneth Spaight had a fumble recovery. Victor Moreno converted on his lone extra point attempt. 

Clarke will return to action next weekend when it takes to the road to face William Penn. Kickoff from Oskaloosa is set for 1 p.m.