Mount Mercy Played Inaugural Home Football Game
The first-year program suffered a 29-26 loss against William Woods at Busse Stadium.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Do you believe local universities should invest in starting new athletic programs like football?
Mount Mercy University hosted its inaugural home football game at Busse Stadium in Cedar Rapids on September 19, 2026. The university's first-year football program ultimately fell to William Woods University 29-26 after leading by 10 points in the fourth quarter.
Why it matters
The game marks a significant milestone for Mount Mercy University, which began efforts to build a football program in 2015. Despite a strong offensive showing, the loss highlights the challenges of development and depth faced by the startup program.
Quarterback Alex Estrada recorded 321 total passing yards, while wide receiver Jon Jon Howard added 177 receiving yards. Mount Mercy enters next week with a 0-3 season record, compared to William Woods' 2-2 standing.
The players
Alex Estrada
He is the starting quarterback for the Mount Mercy University football team.
Paul Gavin
He serves as the athletic director for Mount Mercy University and initiated the football program's planning efforts.
Coleson Baum
He is a key player for William Woods University who helped secure the late-game victory.
The details
Mount Mercy dominated much of the contest, led by Estrada who accounted for three passing touchdowns and one 9-yard rushing touchdown. William Woods secured the comeback victory through two late fourth-quarter touchdown connections between Coleson Baum and Jalen Becerra.
Timeline
2015: Planning for the football program began under athletic director Paul Gavin.
September 19, 2026: Mount Mercy played its first home game at Busse Stadium.
Next Saturday: Mount Mercy is scheduled to host Missouri Baptist.
Season Trajectory
This loss keeps Mount Mercy at 0-3, underscoring the steep learning curve for the school's new football program. The outcome forces the coaching staff to adjust their defensive approach ahead of future conference matchups.
Mount Mercy's 0-3 record heading into next week's game against Missouri Baptist highlights a need for improved late-game defensive execution. The team remains focused on building depth to prevent fourth-quarter fatigue from impacting future results.
The takeaway
The inaugural home game served as a benchmark for Mount Mercy's long-term program development. Players and staff will need to maintain intensity throughout the full duration of future games to secure their first win.
What happens next
Mount Mercy University will host Missouri Baptist at home next Saturday.
Further reading
For more on the development of collegiate sports in the region, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Gazette.
Live Poll
Do you believe local universities should invest in starting new athletic programs like football?
