Jared Elmore caught just 3 passes on Saturday, but he was named Offensive Player of the Game in MNU's 40-24 victory over McPherson. The senior wideout racked up 114 yards and 3 touchdowns as the Pioneers were among 8 playoff teams to defend their home turf in the NAIA Football Championship Series.
The first quarter was a struggle for both teams, but MNU managed 2 field goals to take a 6-0 lead. The second quarter was more like the barn-burner the fans expected, as McPherson scored 3 touchdowns and MNU found the end zone twice. The Bulldogs went to the locker room with a 21-20 lead, and the teams traded field goals in the third quarter. But the fourth quarter was all MNU.
Elmore's second catch and second touchdown gave the Pioneers the lead early in the final period. After a Jake Duren interception, the Pioneers looked to extend the lead. Quarterback Tyler Herl fought his way out of a potential sack and was able to find Elmore once again for what should've been a 15-yard completion. But the defender slipped and Elmore raced away from the rest of the Bulldogs for a 63-yard touchdown and a 37-24 lead. An Eric Hronek field goal capped the scoring, and the Pioneers advanced to the second round.
QB Tyler Herl was 14-29 with 352 yards and 4 touchdowns. RB Ashford Johnson ran 25 times for 148 yards. Juan Redmon caught 5 passes for 88 yards and a touchdown.
Defensive Player of the Game Jake Duren led the way with 11 tackles, 2 tackles for loss for 12 yards, 1 sack for 11 yards, and an interception. Luke Gregory also had 11 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and a pick. And Brady Croucher had 8 tackles and a forced fumble.
The Pioneers are 10-1 (9-1 HAAC). The next game is Saturday the 28th in Helena, Montana at #2 Carroll College (12-0) at 1:00 CST.