MNU-24
Baker-16
Unofficial Stats
Special teams, defense, and the ground game were keys to MNU's 24-16 victory over Baker on Saturday. After a scoreless first half, the Pioneers finally got on the board with a 47-yard
Cody Morrow field goal early in the 3rd quarter. Two plays later,
Jake Duren intercepted a pass and returned it 44 yards to the 1-yard line, setting up an easy score for
James Tillman. The ensuing Baker drive found the Wildcats deep in MNU territory, but another turnover put the Pioneers up 16-0. Anthony Rodrigues picked off a pass at the 7, broke a tackle, and followed a convoy 93 yards to the end zone.
Baker fought back with a 41-yard field goal, then got right back in the game when the Pioneers botched a punt and put Baker on the 1-yard line. The Wildcats quickly punched it in and cut MNU's lead to just six. But that's when the Pioneer ground game took over. Quarterback
Sean Ransburg put MNU in good field position with a 32-yard scramble.
James Tillman followed with a 10-yard run, and
Ashford Johnson added a 21-yard run. Ransburg then finished what he started with a juking and twisting 18-yard scramble to the end zone. The 2-point conversion put MNU up 24-10.
Baker scored again late in the game after recovering an MNU fumble, but the Pioneers recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran out the clock for the 24-16 victory.
Ransburg rushed 11 times for 105 yards and a touchdown.
Ashford Johnson picked up 89 yards on the ground. And
Juan Redmon and Brandon Phillips had 3 catches apiece.
Jake Duren led the defense with 9 tackles including 2 tackles for loss, a sack, and an interception.
The Pioneers are 2-0. The next game is Saturday the 18th at Culver-Stockton (0-2) at 1:00 PM.
