MOUNT VERNON, Iowa — The Lawrence University football team faced a difficult afternoon Saturday, falling 34-0 to Cornell College at Van Metre Field at Ash Park.
The Vikings moved the ball throughout the contest, finishing with 272 yards of total offense and 17 first downs. Lawrence also controlled possession for 38 minutes and 29 seconds, but Cornell capitalized on its scoring opportunities to secure the Midwest Conference victory.
After a scoreless opening quarter, Cornell broke through with two field goals in the second quarter to take a 6-0 lead. The Rams added two touchdown passes in the final two minutes of the half, building a 20-0 advantage at the break.
Cornell extended its lead early in the second half with a 90-yard touchdown pass, making it 27-0. The Rams added their final score in the fourth quarter on a one-yard rushing touchdown.
Lawrence continued to work offensively, recording 99 rushing yards and 173 passing yards. Tristian Gooden led the ground game with 35 yards on 16 carries, while Raenaldo Farrington Jr. and Chancellor Reddick added 30 rushing yards apiece.
Jordan Pidala completed 11 of 23 passes for 114 yards, while Boris Christensen connected on eight of 11 attempts for 59 yards. Ethan Holland paced the receiving corps with seven catches for 85 yards, and Antonie Perry also hauled in seven passes, finishing with 49 yards.
The Vikings had an opportunity to get on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter, putting together a 16-play, 71-yard drive that consumed more than seven minutes. Lawrence moved inside the Cornell 5-yard line but was stopped on fourth down.
Lawrence finished 7-of-19 on third-down conversions and held a significant advantage in time of possession, but Cornell's four touchdowns proved too much to overcome.
