Northwestern (Iowa) tops Keiser for NAIA title

DURHAM, N.C.– Jalyn Gramstad threw three touchdown passes and ran for another to lead Northwestern (Iowa) over Keiser (Florida) 35-25 on Saturday for the NAIA nationwide championship.The Red Raiders(13-1)utilized the big play to counter long Keiser scoring drives and declare its third title in program history, the others being available in 1973 and 1983. Northwestern was making its second title-game look in 3 seasons and completed this year with a 13-game winning streak after losing its opener by an indicate Morningside.Gramstad was 14 of 19 passing for 247 yards and hurried for another

128 lawns on 22 brings. Cade Moser scored on a set of big plays and had a combined 158 yards offense. Noah Van’t Hof made two interceptions.The Seahawks (10-4 )routed 28-25 with just over 7 minutes left after scoring on Bryce Veasley’s 1-yard run. However Northwestern, which had three scoring plays of over 60 lawns, consumed over five minutes prior to Gramstad found his way through the defense for a 19-yard clinching touchdown.”We did what we needed to do and we spoke about just continuing to pound the stone and simply keep working. And when there’s a fracture,

we got to complete it and our guys did that in the 4th quarter. “stated Northwestern coach Matt McCarty in an on-field postgame interview with ESPN.The Red Raiders took the lead for good at 21-17 late in the 3rd quarter on Gramstad’s 64-yard connection to Konner McQuilla. Gramstad threw a 3-yard TD pass to Blake Anderson to extend the lead early in the 4th quarter after Northwestern stopped Keiser on downs at the Seahawks 48. Tied at 7 at halftime, the teams integrated for 24 points in the 3rd quarter.Moser scored on a 64-yard run, the Seahawks tied it on Jaden Meizinger’s 2-yard go to finish a nine-play, 62-yard drive, then took the lead on Chance Gagnon

‘s 26-yard basket after a fumble recovery at the Northwestern 18. Keiser got the game’s first points on Marques Burgess’1-yard pursue a 13-play, 98-yard drive. Northwestern stuck back on their first play after the ensuing kickoff with Gramstad’s 69-yard pass to Moser.Keiser’s Shea Spencer was 14 of 16 passing for 122 backyards with an interception before being injured late in the 3rd quarter. Veasley came on in relief.