Grinnell College football lost 20-15 in its first game of the season against Macalester College. After trailing 20-2 with just over five minutes left on the clock, the Pioneers rallied to score two touchdowns late in the Saturday, Sept. 6 game, but their comeback came up just short.
“Offensively, we felt pretty disappointed in our execution,” said wide receiver Jack Reed `27. “We’re not gonna be 100 percent polished going into week one, but I think we had a lot of expectations that we didn’t necessarily meet.”
Head coach Brent Barnes echoed the sentiment, describing the game as a missed opportunity for a win. In an email to The S&B, Barnes wrote that there were a few things that needed improvement, “but the most glaring is that we were not physical enough, particularly at the offensive skill positions.”
During the second quarter, Grinnell’s defense scored a safety, earning the Pioneers their first two points. Though the team struggled with the ball through the beginning quarters, wide receiver David Eisenberg `29 scored a touchdown with 5:07 left in the fourth quarter, the only offensive points for the Pioneers. Within the minute, linebacker Luke Konczal `29, returned an interception for a touchdown, also known as a pick six. For both players, it was their first collegiate touchdown.
“It seemed like we were out of it, and then both of our touchdowns just allowed us to fight back and have a chance,” said Konczal.
Barnes wrote that he was proud of the team’s resiliency, feeling unsure about whether past teams would have still believed while losing 20-2 in the middle of the fourth quarter. He wrote, “There was no panic on the sideline — it was, ‘let’s get to work, get a score, and see what happens.’”
From Macalester’s side, linebacker Derek Foker `26 said their win was especially meaningful because it had been “a really, really long time since we won.” Facing Grinnell for his first time also added to the experience. “It was really cool to come down to Iowa and play on this nice field.”
Foker said that even with a win, he always looks for ways to improve, which is a mindset the Pioneers agree with. “After every game, win or lose, we go over the things we did well and the things we need to improve upon,” wrote Barnes. “Our players understand there is always something to improve upon.”
Barnes pointed out that five first years started for Grinnell on Saturday, highlighting how quickly younger players are being integrated into the program. “Our returners always do a great job of getting our first years acclimated to the culture of our program and of the College,” he wrote. “We’ve continually raised the bar in terms of the talent we have brought in and this year was no exception.” Compared to recent seasons, Barnes wrote that Grinnell’s football team is at a better place than when the current seniors were first years. “We have better depth and better talent. I am feeling quite optimistic. I think we have the pieces in place to be successful.”
Players said that their first loss hasn’t dampened their confidence, and shared Barnes’ same optimism. “I think genuinely, especially from a defensive perspective, we didn’t play a bad football game and there’s a lot of things to be happy about,” said Konczal. “Being able to focus on the bad things and improve on them, but then also be happy with your performance to keep your confidence high — I think it’s pretty important.”
Eisenberg agreed, framing the opener as a learning oppurtunity instead of a setback. “There’s definitely some bad, some good, but you gotta take it just with a grain of salt and move on to the next week.”
For Reed, there’s a clear path for the team moving forward. “We’re just gonna put our heads down and go to work as hard as we can, make sure we meet the expectations that we have for each other and win the football games that we know we can win.”
