STORM LAKE, Iowa (Sept. 13, 2025) - Sophomore Johnny Messerly hauled in four catches for 130 yards and two first half touchdown scores to help lead the Buena Vista football team to a 17-6 victory over Wisconsin Lutheran on Saturday afternoon in what was the home opener for the Beavers.

BVU forced a fumble on the first Wisconsin Lutheran drive of the game and took advantage just four plays later as Messerly hauled in a 29-yard touchdown reception midway through the opening quarter from junior quarterback Zy Gravitt to give the Beavers a 7-0 lead. That same duo connected again less than a minute into the second quarter from eight yards out to extend the lead to 14-0. Then with under 5:00 remaining in the half, senior Tyler Pennington connected for his first career field goal from 33-yards out which gave the team a 17-0 cushion at the half.

The Warriors got on the board on their first drive of the second half by going 64 yards in 11 plays as running back Liam Heiges plunged in from 11 yards out. The PAT, however, was blocked and left the score at 17-6 with 6:37 left in the third quarter.

The Beavers were forced to punt on their first two drives of the second half before putting together a nice drive and getting down to the WLC 33-yard line. They held the ball for over 6:00 but was forced to turn it over on downs. The defense came up with big stops all game long and that included the ensuing drive by the Warriors as the Beavers forced them to turn it over on downs after getting down to the BVU 29 late in the fourth quarter.

Wisconsin Lutheran did most of its work load on the ground, chalking up 210 yards rushing and averaged 4.8 per carry. The Beavers held the Warriors to only 31 yards passing on 11-of-23. Heiges finished with 146 yards and the touchdown on 23 attempts. 

The Beavers totaled just over 300 yards of total offense with over 200 coming through the air. Gravitt was 9-of-16 for 169 yards and the two touchdown strikes. Sophomore Brett Garcia played the second half and went 7-of-10 for 38 yards. Meven Obregon had a team-high 59 yards rushing with Fussell carrying the ball 14 times for 26 yards.

Messerly set a new career-high in receiving yards to lead a balanced receiving corps. Five different receivers caught multiple passes in the game. Senior Dolan Pospichal led the way with five grabs.

Ethan Wiersman helped lead the stingy defense with 12 total tackles. Drew Volkmann followed with nine tackles and added a forced fumble. Anthony Domingue registered seven tackles, including two for a loss and one sack. 

Buena Vista improves to 1-1 on the year as it enters its bye week. Next up will be Homecoming and Hall of Fame on Saturday, Sept. 27, when it hosts Simpson College to begin American Rivers Conference play.