GRINNELL, Iowa -- An interception in the game's final minute stopped the Lawrence University football team and allowed Grinnell College to hang on for a 24-19 Midwest Conference victory at Rosenbloom Field.
Lawrence (0-3, 0-3 MWC) trailed by five when it took over at its 26-yard line with 2:35 remaining. Nick Maxam hit Wes Otte on back-to-back passes to give Lawrence a first down at its own 41, and Maxam then found freshman Troy McGilligan for 28 yards to the Grinnell 31. After Aaron Walker ran for five yards, Maxam was intercepted by Grinnell's Ben Westfeldt two plays later, and the Pioneers (1-3, 1-2 MWC) ran out the clock for the win.
The Vikings trailed 14-0 at the half, but Walker took the first play from scrimmage in the third quarter and rumbled 62 yards for a touchdown to cut the lead to 14-7 just seconds into the second half.
Lawrence's next score was set up by Derek Micke's 28-yard punt return to the Grinnell 27. The drive stalled at the Grinnell 17, and the Vikings settled for Bryan Althouse's 34-yard field goal to trim the lead to 14-10.
Grinnell hit on a 68-yard pass play on the ensuing drive for a first down at the Lawrence 4, and Marquis Bradley scored from two yards out two plays later to put the Pioneers up 21-10.
A big kickoff return from Craig Ebert gave Lawrence the ball at its own 47, and Ebert ran 18 yards on the next play for a first down at the Grinnell 35. The drive again stalled at the Grinnell 17, and Althouse kicked another 34-yard field goal to trim the lead to 21-13.
The Vikings fumbled on fourth down on their next possession, and Grinnell took over at the Lawrence 46. The Pioneers moved the ball to the Lawrence 14 before the defense stiffened. Scott Koenning then connected on a 32-yard field goal for a 24-13 Grinnell lead.
The Vikings battled back by taking the ensuing kickoff and returning it 37 yards to the Grinnell 48. Eric Aspenson connected with Wes Otte for 23 yards and a first down at the Grinnell 25. Lawrence moved the ball to the Grinnell 5, and Maxam hit Otte with a touchdown pass to trim the lead to 24-19 with 5:35 left.
Lawrence held Grinnell to a three-and-out and then drove deep into Pioneer territory before the final turnover of the game.