ALLENDALE, Mich. — Davenport (2-2, 1-1 GLIAC) fell to No. 10 Grand Valley State (3-1, 1-0 GLIAC) with a 37-14 defeat on Saturday afternoon, as the Lakers scored three rushing touchdowns in the red zone at Arend D. Lubbers Stadium and outscored the Panthers 16-0 in the second half to pull away.

Davenport opened the first quarter with a strong offensive drive, highlighted by a D'Wan Mathis 12-yard rush and Keonta Nixon 13-yard reception. The drive culminated in a touchdown run by Kayden Collins from 10 yards out for his first rushing touchdown as a Panther. Freshman Ian Jenkins added the extra point, giving Davenport an early 7-0 lead on a 10-play, 75-yard drive.

Grand Valley State responded quickly with a 28-yard touchdown pass from Andrew Schuster to Sean Byrd, leveling the score at 7-7 after Mathew Bacik's successful extra point. The Lakers marched 51 yards in just three plays. The quarter ended with Grand Valley State maintaining possession, advancing to Davenport's 29-yard line. The score remained tied at 7-7 as the first quarter concluded.

The second quarter began with GVSU extending their lead on the first play with a 29-yard touchdown run by wide receiver Kellen Reed, who took a reverse handoff around left end, followed by a successful extra point. Davenport's ensuing drive was halted after a sack set them back, leading to a punt. However, the team responded defensively by forcing a punt after Grand Valley State's short possession.

Davenport regained momentum late in the quarter with a quick scoring response. Mathis connected with Earnest Sanders for a 75-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the deficit. Jenkins added the extra point to bring the score to 21-14. As the quarter closed, Davenport's defense held strong, concluding with a sack by Reed Snitker and ending the Lakers drive. The teams entered halftime with Grand Valley State leading 21-14.

The third period began with a major momentum shift as Grand Valley State capitalized on a strong kickoff return by Reed of 69 yards, setting up a short field that culminated in a 6-yard touchdown rush by quarterback Brady Drogosh. This was followed by a successful point-after attempt, extending the home team's lead. The Panthers dug themselves a further hole on the next possession as they went back to punt and the really high snap went over the head of Alec Wojahn through the back of the end zone for a safety and a 30-14 deficit.

Mac VandenHout saw time at quarterback for Davenport in the third quarter and had a drive that stalled at the GVSU 46-yard line after the safety. The Lakers turned it over for the only time on the next possession as Carlo Aybar intercepted the first pass of his career. Austin Stief tipped the pass by Drogosh and Aybar snared it at the GVSU 40-yard line with 2:33 left in the quarter. The Lakers defense held inside the red zone to start the fourth quarter as VandenHout's fourth down pass was incomplete to George Sims at the 14-yard line.

Bacik missed a 43-yard field goal on the Lakers next possession which covered 61 yards in 10 plays to keep some hope alive. The offense sputtered to a three-and-out and could not find points down the stretch. GVSU scored a late touchdown with 1:03 left on a 12-yard Drogosh run capping off a six-play, 33-yard drive for the 37-14 final score.

Mathis completed 3-of-7 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown, contributing to the passing game. DU however was just 4-of-19 through the air as a team. Collins rushed for a season-high 89 yards on 11 carries, adding a touchdown to his performance. Harris carried 16 times for 53 yards. On the receiving end, Sanders had a single reception for 75 yards, leading to a touchdown. D'Angelo Bellamy recorded a season-high nine tackles. Jamar Mills and Nick Pulley each had six tackles.

The team will have their long-awaited home opener next Saturday for a homecoming game against Michigan Tech at 2 PM.