Holland Reporter

Grand Valley State University (GVSU) secured a 20-13 victory over the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in a highly anticipated football game held at Lubbers Stadium on Saturday night. The match drew a crowd of 15,884 spectators.

GVSU's offense made an immediate impact as junior quarterback Ike Udengwu led an 80-yard drive culminating in a one-yard touchdown run by sophomore running back Khalil Eichelberger. Redshirt freshman Mathew Bacik successfully converted the point after touchdown (PAT).

Wisconsin-La Crosse threatened to score midway through the first quarter but was thwarted by senior linebacker Damonte McCurdy, who recorded a critical sack that pushed the Eagles out of field goal range. The Eagles eventually tied the game at 7-7 early in the second quarter.

The Lakers responded with a 37-yard field goal by Bacik, reclaiming the lead at 10-7. Junior wide receiver Jordan Johnson and Eichelberger contributed crucial plays during this drive.

As the first half concluded, GVSU extended their lead to 17-7 with a one-yard touchdown run by Kenneth Jones following a three-and-out forced by their defense.

In the third quarter, two turnovers hampered GVSU’s scoring opportunities, but senior safety Ian Kennelly's interception kept momentum on their side. Wisconsin-La Crosse narrowed the gap to 17-10 with a field goal before Bacik added another field goal for GVSU, making it 20-10.

The Eagles managed another field goal late in the game to make it 20-13, but GVSU's defense held firm. Devin Pringle’s pass breakup on fourth down with 30 seconds remaining sealed the victory for GVSU.

GVSU accumulated 398 yards of total offense and held possession for 33 minutes. Udengwu completed passes for 104 yards and rushed for an additional 40 yards. Jones led in rushing with 53 yards and one touchdown on twelve carries. Senior wide receiver Darrell Johnson caught five passes for 51 yards, while Donovan Johnson had four receptions totaling 68 yards.

Defensively, GVSU limited Wisconsin-La Crosse to just 35 rushing yards and recorded five quarterback sacks along with nine tackles for loss. Kennelly led with eight tackles and an interception; Kobe Hayward followed closely with seven stops and tackles for loss.

Next Saturday, GVSU will host West Florida at Lubbers Stadium with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m.