Quentin Weygaerts launched a 47-yard field goal as time expired to defeat #9 Missouri Valley 28-27 on Saturday. The #10 Pioneers overcame a rough start to capture a big road victory on their way to the playoffs. Starting QB Mike Keese threw 3 interceptions, and the Pioneers had only 7 yards rushing in the first half, but MNU found themselves down just 17-10 at halftime. Tyler Herl entered the game in the second half but struggled to find his rhythm, and MNU saw Valley's lead increase to 27-12 as the game reached the 4th quarter.
With 8 minutes remaining, the MNU offense started clicking. An 8-play 79-yard drive concluded with an 11-yard touchdown scramble by Herl to close the gap. The MNU defense got the ball back to Herl quickly, and the Pioneers put together another 8-play touchdown drive, highlighted by a 41-yard tackle-breaking touchdown catch by Jared Elmore. The 2-point conversion attempt which would've tied the game failed, and the Pioneer defense needed another quick stop. A big 3-and-out left the Pioneers with less than a minute to get in field goal range, and they barely made it. MNU found themselves at the 30-yard line with 20 seconds left but were unable to get any closer, bringing out the field goal unit with 1 second remaining. Weygaerts, who had missed a 49-yarder in the first half, lined up from 47 yards out and split the uprights with 15 yards to spare as time ran out, giving the Pioneers the victory.
MNU moves to 9-1 to close out the regular season. The College Fanz post-season selection show will be broadcast live next Sunday, November 15th beginning at 1:30 at www.collegefanz.com.
