The Pioneer defense allowed zero points and just 10 first downs in MNU's 24-8 victory over Peru State College on Saturday. The Bobcats scored twice: once on a fumble return for a touchdown and again when MNU snapped the ball into the end zone for a safety on a punt. The fumble return (and missed PAT) put PSC up 6-0 early in the game, but
Tyler Herl connected with
Austin Conyers on the first play on the ensuing drive for a 63-yard touchdown to give MNU the lead. The defense then forced a 3-and-out, the Herl and running back
Ashford Johnson led the Pioneers on an 11-play 65-yard touchdown drive. The drive was capped off by a Herl to
Branden Phillips 8-yard strike to give MNU a 14-6 lead.
Juan Redmon found the end zone in the second quarter on a 66-yard completion to give MNU a 21-6 lead. A
Cody Morrow field goal completed the MNU scoring as they cruised to the finish.
Tyler Herl was 18-29 passing for 270 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also ran 6 times for 33 yards.
Ashford Johnson had 18 carries for 86 yards.
James Tillman had 14 carries for 79 yards.
Austin Conyers had a career-high 7 catches for a career-high 124 yards and a touchdown.
Juan Redmon caught 5 balls for 101 yards and a touchdown. And
Mark Henderson had 1 catch for 4 yards.
Joey Oxley led the defense with 10 tackles.
Jared Moyston and
Joe Camacho had 8 tackles. Demarco Kemp had 7 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss and 2 sacks for 11 yards. And
Brandon Smith had 6 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
MNU is 8-1 (7-1 HAAC). The next game is Saturday at Evangel (3-6, 3-5) at 1:30. A victory would garauntee the Pioneers at least a share of the conference title.
Stats and Play by Play
