Holland Reporter

Grand Valley State University’s football team lost to Saginaw Valley State University by a score of 20-19 on Saturday at Lubbers Stadium. The game was marked by unusual scoring plays and defensive efforts from both teams.

Saginaw Valley State scored three field goals, returned a blocked extra point for two points, and was awarded a safety after Grand Valley’s quarterback Andrew Schuster was hit while throwing from his own end zone, resulting in an intentional grounding call. Saginaw Valley’s only touchdown came late in the fourth quarter, following a failed fake punt attempt by Grand Valley.

Grand Valley State scored three touchdowns during the game but had one extra point blocked and failed on a two-point conversion attempt after their final touchdown. At halftime, Grand Valley led 13-11. Neither team scored again until the fourth quarter when Saginaw tied the game with the intentional grounding safety. Saginaw then took a 20-13 lead with a quick four-play drive.

Grand Valley responded with its strongest offensive series of the day: a nine-play, 74-yard drive that ended with Schuster connecting with Lynn Wyche-El for a four-yard touchdown pass. On this drive, Schuster completed seven of nine passes for 74 yards, while Wyche-El caught four passes for 37 yards and the touchdown. The subsequent two-point conversion attempt to take the lead was unsuccessful as the pass was deflected.

Earlier in the game, running back Paschal Johlman scored on a 58-yard screen pass in the first quarter, and wide receiver Kellen Reed caught a 25-yard touchdown pass from Schuster in the second quarter.

Schuster finished with 19 completions out of 29 attempts for 260 yards and three touchdowns. Wyche-El recorded six catches for 65 yards and one touchdown; Reed had four receptions for 49 yards and one score; Johlman contributed with his long touchdown reception.

On defense, safety Quinn Wills made six tackles. Defensive lineman Khamani Potts also recorded six tackles along with a sack and tackle for loss. Ronald Jackson and Jibriel Conde each had six tackles as well, while linebacker Jimmy Downs contributed six stops.

Grand Valley State will travel next week to face Ferris State University in another GLIAC matchup.