The Pioneers trailed at halftime in Atchison, but a dominant second half propelled #5 MNU to a 23-7 victory over #20 Benedictine on Saturday. Defending National Special Teams Player of the Week Cody Morrow got the scoring started with a short field goal late in the first quarter. The defenses dominated for most of the first half, and the Ravens took the lead with the half's only touchdown to take a 7-3 lead to the locker room.
The second half was all MNU. After consecutive 3-and-outs, the Pioneers engineered a 9-play 91-yard drive which resulted in a touchdown and a 10-7 lead. On the drive, QB Sean Ransburg was 4-4 for 64 yards and a touchdown; Greg Gates ran 5 times for 27 yards; and Juan Redmon caught 2 passes for 27 yards and a touchdown. MNU stopped the Ravens on the ensuing drive with a Will Griffin interception, but the Pioneers were stopped on 4th and 1 deep in BC territory. The Ravens couldn't convert their own 4th down play on the next drive, and the Pioneers took over with under 5 minutes remaining clinging to a 10-7 lead. Benedictine forced a quick 3-and-out, but MNU DB Taylor Lasiter picked off a 3rd down pass, leading to a James Tillman touchdown to put the Pioneers up 17-7. With the Ravens in desperation mode, Lasiter picked off another pass and Tillman again punched it in, icing the game and giving MNU the 23-7 margin of victory.
Greg Gates led the rushing attack with 19 carries for 73 yards.
James Tillman had 8 carries for 50 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Sean Ransburg was 14-23 for 145 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 picks.
Juan Redmon led all receivers with 6 catches for 72 yards and a touchdown. And the defense was led by
Jake Duren (13 tackles, 1 TFL),
Joe Camacho (9 tackles),
Dantren Anderson (8 tackles, 1.5 TFL), and
Taylor Lasiter (2 interceptions, 2 pass break-ups).
The Pioneers are 5-0 (5-0 HAAC). The next game is Saturday the 9th at home vs. Graceland (1-4, 1-3) at 6:00 PM.
Unofficial Stats
