The first five minutes were decisive in MNU's 55-14 loss at #3 Lindenwood on Saturday. The Lions scored on their fourth play from scrimmage with a 43-yard shovel pass. Then on the first play for MNU, the Lions intercepted a pass and ran it back for another touchdown. The Pioneers were forced to punt in their next series, but Lindenwood recovered a bad snap and scored again. The 21-0 hole was too much to overcome, and the Lions moved to 4-0.
The score got all the way to 35-0 before the Pioneers found the end zone at the end of the half. The first failed PAT of the season kept the score at 35-6 heading to the locker room. The third quarter was much quieter for both teams, as the only points were from a Lindenwood field goal. The game opened up again in the fourth quarter, and the final was 55-14.
"Obviously that's not how we wanted to start a big game on the road like this," said Coach Quinn. "It's hard enough to beat a team like this when you play your best...giving away quick and early touchdowns makes it nearly impossible."
Tyler Herl was 21-41 for 218 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 3 picks. He also ran 9 times for 60 yards. Demerick Chancellor rushed 15 times for 70 yards. And Tim Richmond led the receivers with 7 catches for 78 yards and a touchdown.
The Pioneers fall to 3-1 on the season. The next game is Saturday, October 3 at home vs. Benedictine (2-2) at 1 PM.
