LAMONI, Iowa – The Benedictine College football team opened Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) play on Saturday afternoon on the road against Graceland University.
While Benedictine (3-0, 1-0 HAAC) was limited to under 50 points during the game, Graceland (2-2, 1-1) couldn't do much else to stop the Ravens offensively as Benedictine earn a 48-0 win over Graceland.
"Its fun to watch our defense play," said head coach Larry Wilcox. "Always proud when they're able to get a shutout because that is something that is difficult to get at any level and in particular in our conference."
Benedictine scored on its first possession of the game and never looked back.
The Ravens scored four times on the ground, twice through the air and added two first-half field goals in the win.
Quarterback Bill Noonan connected on Benedictine's first two touchdowns of the game. His first touchdown pass was a 16-yard connection running back Cameron Fore capped of the Ravens game-opening drive and his second touchdown pass was a 23-yard connection to wide receiver Geoff Akpom.
Running back Kevon McGrew started off the second quarter scoring with the first of his three rushing touchdowns before Benedictine ended the half with a pair of Zach Keenan field goals.
McGrew scored on a seven-yard rush early in the second quarter and the Keenan converted from 23 and 31-yards out to send Benedictine into the half leading Graceland 27-0.
Fore added the Ravens second rushing touchdown in the third quarter when he scored on a 26-yard rush.
McGrew capped off his break-out day with touchdown rushes of 15 and four yards.
While the offense was having its way, finishing the game with 542 yards of total offense, the defense put together its first shutout of the season.
Benedictine held Graceland to 149 total yards on offense – 100 rushing off 30 carries and 49 passing off eight completions.
Fore led the Ravens on the ground with 123 yards off 14 carries while McGrew added 87 yards off 11 carries.
Noonan finished with 201 yards off 15 of 21 passing.
Receiver Colton Johnston led Benedictine's receiver corp with 76 yards off four receptions.
"We have so many play makers," said Noonan. "No matter who call on to catch the ball or rush the ball, we know that they're going to be able to make the play."
Defensive lineman Pedrum Khodaie and linebacker Ray Gragg led the Ravens with five tackles each.
Safety Ashton Stephens added his first interception of the season, his 10th career interception to move him into sole possession of seventh place on the Ravens all-time interception list.
Benedictine host Peru State College at 1 p.m. Saturday at Larry Wilcox Stadium. The Bobcats are coming off a bye and enter th game at 1-1 overall and 0-1 in the HAAC.
