Grinnell College Edges Lawrence University in Dramatic Finish

Appleton, WI (October 5, 2024) – Grinnell College secured their first victory of the season with a thrilling 17-14 win over Lawrence University at the Banta Bowl on Saturday. The Pioneers, led by a strong rushing attack and clutch plays down the stretch, improved to 1-3 on the season while Lawrence remains winless at 0-4.

The game came down to the wire with Grinnell’s kicker, Nick Rhinehart, drilling a 31-yard field goal with just 11 seconds left on the clock to give the Pioneers the lead and the eventual win. The decisive kick capped off a 14-play, 67-yard drive that ate up the final 4:10 of the game.

Grinnell struck first early in the game, with Lucky Carton scoring on a 7-yard run after an 11-play drive. Lawrence answered back with a touchdown of their own, a 21-yard pass from Aidan Williams to W. Jaramillo, tying the game at 7-7 by the end of the first quarter.

The Vikings grabbed the lead midway through the second quarter when Williams connected with Alex Lippert on a 4-yard touchdown pass. However, Grinnell responded in the third quarter with a 4-yard touchdown run by Hugh Werner, tying the game once again at 14-14.

Lawrence had their opportunities, including a blocked 29-yard field goal attempt by Grinnell’s Kea Fitzgerald early in the fourth quarter, keeping the score tied. Grinnell’s defense held firm, intercepting Williams twice during the game, including a crucial pick by Ajay Griffin in the third quarter that prevented a potential scoring drive.

Statistically, Grinnell dominated the ground game, rushing for 194 yards, led by Carton’s 109 yards on 25 carries. Lawrence, on the other hand, struggled to find consistency in their running game, only managing 90 rushing yards. Through the air, Williams outgained Grinnell’s quarterbacks with 211 passing yards compared to Grinnell’s 140, but the two interceptions proved costly for the Vikings.

The win gives Grinnell momentum as they head into the second half of the season, while Lawrence will need to regroup as they search for their first win.

Game Stats

Final Score: Grinnell College 17, Lawrence University 14
Location: The Banta Bowl, Appleton, WI
Attendance: 927
Key Players:
Grinnell: Lucky Carton – 25 carries, 109 yards, 1 TD
Lawrence: Aidan Williams – 18/26, 211 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
Grinnell: Nick Rhinehart – 31-yard game-winning field goal