RIPON, Wis. -- Ripon football (4-5, 4-4 MWC) suffered a 58-3 defeat to Monmouth College (8-1, 8-0 MWC) this Saturday, Nov 8, in the penultimate contest of the 2025 Red Hawks season. A 22-yard field goal from kicker Ben Crock (Mount Vernon, Iowa, Mount Vernon HS) secured the sole points on the day for the visitors. 

Ripon faced tough competition from the outset, as the Fighting Scots entered the game boasting the most efficient defense in Division III. While the Ripon defense held off Monmouth for the first Fighting Scots drive, a three and out from the Red Hawks would give way to the first scoring drive of the game from the hosts. Monmouth would put up six touchdowns in the first half, while Crock would save Ripon from a shutout as the game came to halftime. 

The Fighting Scots slowed the pace offensively across the second half, but stayed just as potent defensively, holding the Red Hawks to 128 yards of offense for the game. Defensively, linebacker Ryan Barajas (Bosque, N.M., Belen HS) would lead Ripon, tallying nine tackles on the day including one for loss. Running back Treston Dekker (Sheboygan, Wis., Sheboygan South HS) saw the most success in the rush game, earning a team high 44 yards on 11 carries for the visitors. 

Defensive back Salim Sesma (Coolidge, Ariz., Coolidge HS) provided a boost for the visitors in the third quarter, earning an interception for the Red Hawks at the team's own 20-yard line. However, Ripon would find Monmouth's continuing defensive pressure too firm, and were forced to punt five plays later. The game would expire after two more Monmouth touchdowns and a field goal, ending proceedings in a 58-3 defeat for the Red Hawks. 

Ripon returns to action for the season finale against Lawrence University this Saturday, Nov 15. Lawrence enters the contest 0-8 this season, coming off a 63-6 loss to Grinnell.