#5 MNU went to Lamoni, IA and dominated from the start in a 72-14 victory over Graceland on Saturday. The Pioneers punted on their opening drive but found the end zone on their next 4 possessions to take a 28-0 lead in the first quarter.
James Tillman got the Pioneers on the board with a 26-yard touchdown run, then scored again from 3 yards out when MNU got the ball on a Graceland bad punt snap. MNU picked up 2 quick touchdowns by recovering Graceland fumbles in the end zone, and the rout was on. MNU went into halftime with a 41-7 lead.
Graceland turnovers and MNU touchdowns were the theme of the second half as the Pioneers built a huge lead. MNU cruised to the finish and the 72 points was the most since they put up 77 vs. Culver-Stockton in 2007.
James Tillman had 11 carries for 85 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Ashford Johnson had 12 carries for 62 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Tyler Herl was 13-24 passing for 153 and 2 touchdowns.
Juan Redmon had 4 catches for 43 yards and a touchdown.
Branden Phillips had 3 catches for 29 yards and a touchdown. And
AJ Rodriguez's 2 interceptions led a defense which forced 9 turnovers and allowed just 161 yards of total offense.
The Pioneers are 7-1 (6-1 HAAC). The next game is Saturday, November 5 at home vs. Peru State (2-6, 2-5) at 1:00 for Senior Day.
Stats and Play by Play
