Grinnell Falls to Ripon 23-19 in Heartbreaking Conference Opener
Grinnell College’s football team suffered a tough 23-19 loss to Ripon College in a Midwest Conference matchup on September 14, 2024, at Hopp Stadium in Ripon, Wisconsin. The defeat drops Grinnell to 0-2 (0-1 in conference play), while Ripon improves to 1-1 (1-0 MWC).
Grinnell got off to a strong start, responding to Ripon’s early touchdown with a 1-yard rushing score by Marcus Sung. Sung’s run capped a 12-play, 75-yard drive, tying the game 7-7 by the end of the first quarter.
The Pioneers took control in the second quarter with back-to-back touchdown passes from quarterback Henry Baird. Baird connected with Lucky Carton on a 7-yard touchdown pass, followed by a 12-yard strike to Nick Rhinehart. Grinnell, however, missed both extra-point attempts, and a Ripon field goal just before halftime cut the Pioneers’ lead to 19-10 at the break.
Ripon fought back in the second half, beginning with a touchdown run by quarterback Jack Berens in the third quarter, trimming Grinnell’s lead to 19-17. The Red Hawks then took the lead in the fourth quarter when running back Jeremy Timmons scored on a 1-yard rush with 9:51 remaining. A failed two-point conversion kept the score at 23-19.
Grinnell had opportunities to regain the lead late in the game but was plagued by turnovers and a missed 38-yard field goal attempt. The Pioneers also turned the ball over twice on fumbles and were intercepted twice by Ripon’s defense.
Despite the loss, Grinnell showed promise on both sides of the ball. Baird finished the game 27-of-43 passing for 249 yards and two touchdowns. Noah Smith led all receivers with six catches for 86 yards, including a 45-yard reception in the final quarter. Sung added 28 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Grinnell’s defense was led by Hugh Werner, who tallied 13 tackles. Travis Chu added four tackles and three tackles for loss.
Ripon’s running game was the difference, with Connor Ramage rushing for 134 yards on 18 carries. Berens contributed 38 rushing yards and a touchdown, while also throwing a 35-yard touchdown pass to Parker Campana.
Despite the hard-fought battle, Grinnell will look to bounce back next week as they continue conference play.
Key Stats:
Grinnell QB Henry Baird: 27-43, 249 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
Grinnell WR Noah Smith: 6 catches, 86 yards
Grinnell RB Marcus Sung: 8 carries, 28 yards, 1 TD
Ripon RB Connor Ramage: 18 carries, 134 yards
Ripon QB Jack Berens: 4-11, 47 yards, 1 passing TD, 1 rushing TD
Despite outgaining Ripon 284 to 215 in total yards, Grinnell was undone by missed opportunities and costly mistakes, including two turnovers and missed kicks.
