Maroons Roll Past Grinnell 38–7

GRINNELL, Iowa — The University of Chicago’s balanced offense and opportunistic defense proved too much for Grinnell College on Saturday, as the Maroons claimed a 38–7 Midwest Conference win at Rosenbloom Field.

Chicago (6–1, 6–0 MWC) struck first with a 50-yard field goal from Walter Kilgore, then extended the lead late in the opening quarter when quarterback Jack Ruff found Luke Degner from 21 yards out to make it 10–0.

Grinnell responded in the second quarter behind senior running back Lucky Carton, whose 30-yard run set up a four-yard touchdown pass from Jack Reed to Stephen Bailey, narrowing the deficit to 10–7.

Momentum swung sharply after that. Chicago blocked a punt that Cole Ostendorf recovered in the end zone, then capitalized on an interception to tack on another Degner score before halftime. The Maroons carried a 24–7 advantage into the break.

Chicago’s defense continued to control the second half, forcing Grinnell into long third-down situations and holding the Pioneers to 1-of-13 on conversions. Ruff connected with Mackey Keenan for an eight-yard touchdown in the third quarter, and Max Ruff added a short rushing score late in the fourth to close out the game.

Carton led all rushers with 117 yards on 20 carries for Grinnell, while Bailey completed 15-of-28 passes for 122 yards. Linebacker Luke Konczal paced the Pioneer defense with 11 tackles, and Breck Bishop added one sack.

The Pioneers (1–6, 1–5 MWC) travel to Cornell College next weekend looking to rebound in conference play.

— Oskaloosa News Sports Desk