10/07/2025
I LOVE FOOTBALL, and any chance I get to be involved in any way, I will take it! Davenport Panthers @ the GVSU Lakers didn't disappoint.
Panthers Battle Early, But Fall to No. 10 Grand Valley State 37–14 in GLIAC Opener
ALLENDALE, Mich. — Davenport University football showed plenty of fight in the first half, but couldn’t hold off a powerful No. 10-ranked Grand Valley State squad in a 37–14 loss on Saturday afternoon at Lubbers Stadium.
The Panthers (2–2, 1–1 GLIAC) struck first and traded blows early with one of the nation’s top Division II programs, but turnovers and second-half adjustments by the Lakers (3–1, 1–0 GLIAC) proved decisive in the conference opener.
Fast Start for the Panthers
Davenport came out sharp on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Jason Whittaker led an efficient opening drive, capped by Kayden Collins’ 10-yard touchdown run that gave the Panthers a 7–0 lead midway through the first quarter.
The Panthers’ defense also forced an early punt and limited the Lakers’ deep passing attack in the opening frame. Grand Valley State responded with a quick strike touchdown through the air, but Davenport continued to match the energy, keeping the score even through much of the first half.
Late in the second quarter, the Panthers pieced together another promising drive, highlighted by chunk runs from Collins and a key third-down grab by Tyler Phelps. However, a red-zone turnover halted the momentum just before halftime, as the Lakers capitalized to take a 21–14 lead into the locker room.
Second Half Slips Away
Coming out of halftime, Grand Valley State tightened its defensive front and leaned heavily on its rushing attack. The Lakers outgained Davenport 265–53 on the ground and scored 16 unanswered points after the break.
Despite the score gap, Davenport’s defense continued to show flashes of discipline and pressure. Linebacker Jordan Brooks recorded a team-high eight tackles and one sack, while defensive back Andrew McDaniel added an interception and several key pass breakups to stall GVSU drives.
Offensively, the Panthers couldn’t recapture their early rhythm. Grand Valley’s defensive front disrupted passing lanes, limiting Davenport to just 109 total passing yards and 1-of-10 on third down conversions.
Head Coach Sparky McEwen’s Take
“We came out ready to play, and for two quarters we matched their physicality,” said Head Coach Sparky McEwen after the game. “But against a top-10 program, you can’t afford to give away possessions or miss assignments in the second half. We’ll learn from this and be ready for the next one.”
Looking Ahead
The Panthers return home next week to face another GLIAC opponent at Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex, aiming to bounce back and move above .500 in league play.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, and fans can follow along on DUPanthers.com or the Davenport Athletics Network.
