APPLETON, Wis. — On Saturday, Lawrence University (0-9) concluded their season with a 48-7 loss to Ripon College (5-5) at The Banta Bowl. The Vikings managed to score a fourth-quarter touchdown through a 22-yard pass.
Ripon capitalized on big plays to take a commanding 21-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. Ryan Clayborn's 56-yard rush opened the scoring just eight seconds into Ripon's first drive, setting the tone for their offensive efficiency. The Vikings struggled to advance, managing only 3 yards on their first possession before punting. Despite a crucial blocked field goal by
Moe Bradshaw at 10:32, the Lawrence defense faced challenges containing Ripon's aerial attack, including a 53-yard touchdown pass from Carl Travis with 21 seconds remaining in the quarter.
Ripon maintained momentum with a strong ground attack, with Bilal Abdullah III's 19-yard rush setting up his 7-yard touchdown run at 3:11, extending their lead. The Vikings' offense struggled under defensive pressure, as
Boris Christensen was sacked three times during the quarter, including a 7-yard loss by Diallo Dubois and Desean Smith. The half concluded with the Red Hawks ahead 28-0.
Ripon capitalized on Lawrence's penalties and turnovers to extend their lead in the third quarter. An illegal block penalty deep in their territory set the Vikings back early, and a subsequent interception by Layne Marquez was returned for a touchdown at 6:46, compounding their difficulties. Despite a 22-yard pass completion from Christensen to
Anthony Martin-Sweet, Lawrence struggled to sustain drives, hindered by unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. By the end of the quarter, Ripon led 41-0.
Ripon opened the fourth quarter with an 8-yard touchdown run by Treston Dekker, extending their lead after the extra point by Ronaldo Dominguez Jayo. The Vikings responded with a 79-yard drive capped by an
RJ Connell 4-yard touchdown pass to
Kyle Zumdome, reducing the deficit. A key interception by
Brady Dilworth at the Vikings' 49-yard line halted a Ripon drive, but penalties and incomplete passes stalled subsequent Lawrence possessions. The final score was Ripon 48, Lawrence 7.
Connell completed 4 of 9 passes for 31 yards, including a touchdown.
Chris Lozano contributed nine tackles and successfully converted a point-after-touchdown kick.
Jon Pasquarello led the defense with 15 tackles, demonstrating his steady presence on the field. Dilworth added an interception and recorded one tackle, further strengthening the defensive efforts.
