Iowa Western Defeats Tyler Junior College, 41-29, in NJCAA Semifinal
Early defensive scores and a dominant ground game send Iowa Western to the national title game
Council Bluffs, IA – Iowa Western Community College advanced to the 2025 Credit Union 1 NJCAA Division I Football Championship Game presented by Zurich Insurance with a 41-29 victory over Tyler Junior College on Friday night at Titan Stadium. The Reivers improved to 11-1, while the Apaches finished their season at 11-1. The game marked the first-ever meeting between the programs in a national semifinal.
The pivotal moment occurred late in the first quarter when Iowa Western defensive back Tim Roberson intercepted a pass and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown, extending the home team's lead to 21-0. The play capped a rapid three-touchdown sequence in the opening period and set the tone for the Reivers' control throughout the game.
Iowa Western struck first with a 28-yard touchdown run by Jamari Ford. Running back Jaivyn Moore followed with a 7-yard scoring run before Roberson's interception return put the Reivers ahead by three touchdowns. Tyler Junior College responded in the second quarter as King White intercepted a pass and returned it 70 yards for a touchdown, narrowing the deficit to 21-7. Daniel Swinney restored momentum for Iowa Western with an 8-yard rushing touchdown, while both teams traded field goals before halftime.
After a scoreless third quarter, Moore scored his second touchdown on a 21-yard run early in the fourth, pushing Iowa Western's lead to 38-10. Tyler quarterback Luke Ullrich led a late rally with three touchdown passes in the final period, two of them caught by Jamari Evans. Despite these efforts, the Reivers maintained a two-score advantage to close out the game.
Iowa Western's offense produced 223 net rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns, with Daniel Swinney leading the ground attack on 17 carries for 62 yards and a score. Jaivyn Moore contributed two touchdowns on just two carries. Tim Roberson anchored the defense with two interceptions, including the critical pick-six. The Reivers totaled five sacks, with Blake Hawkins recording two.
Tyler Junior College showcased its passing attack as Luke Ullrich threw for 183 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. Jamari Evans was the primary target, hauling in six receptions for 109 yards and two scores. On defense, Dada Ross led all players with 11 tackles and added a sack.
Both teams struggled with turnovers and penalties. Tyler committed four turnovers, including three interceptions and a fumble, while Iowa Western gave up three turnovers. The game featured 20 total penalties for 232 yards.
With the win, Iowa Western moves to 11-1 and will play for the national title in the 2025 Credit Union 1 NJCAA Division I Football Championship Game presented by Zurich Insurance on Dec. 17 in Canyon, Texas. Tyler Junior College concludes its season with an 11-1 record following its first playoff appearance under head coach Tanner Jacobson.
Up Next
Iowa Western advances to the 2025 Credit Union 1 NJCAA Division I Football Championship Game presented by Zurich Insurance, set for Dec. 17 in Canyon, Texas at 6 PM CT on ESPNU. The Reivers will face the winner of the Hutchinson vs. Northwest Mississippi semifinal that will be played on Saturday December 6th at 6 PM CT on ESPN+. For more information, visit the official NJCAA championship page.
