The Pioneers turned the ball over 6 times in their season-ending 29-14 loss to St. Xavier on Saturday. On a wet, cold, and windy day in Olathe, MNU struggled to get anything going on offense in the first half, but the defense held firm despite several short fields and kept the Pioneers within 6 at 13-7 going into halftime. The second half started with a strong MNU drive, but a fumble at the 1-yard line ended the threat. The rest of the third quarter was a defensive struggle as neither team was able to move the ball. The Pioneers finally took the lead when
Tyler Herl hooked up with
Austin Conyers on a 65-yard touchdown pass to give MNU a 14-13 lead with 11 minutes remaining in the game [
click story photo to view]. But Saint X answered right back less than 2 minutes later with a 5-play 72-yard touchdown drive, then took control of the game when MNU fumbled the ensuing kickoff which led to a field goal. Any hope of a late Pioneer comeback was squashed with a pick-6 with 5 minutes left. Another late pick sealed the game and the Pioneers lost at home for the first time since 2008.
Tyler Herl was 16-30 passing for 213 yards and a touchdown.
Austin Conyers caught 5 passes for 98 yards and a touchdown. And
Juan Redmon had 5 catches for 80 yards.
Joey Oxley had a season-high 15 tackles.
Joe Camacho recorded 12 tackles.
Dantren Anderson had 10 tackles including 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack.
Charlie McCaleb had 10 tackles. And
Jared Moyston had 9 tackles and a pass break-up.
The Pioneers finish the season with a 10-2 record.
Stats and Play by Play
