The #8 Pioneers moved to 2-1 on the season with a 41-7 victory over Avila on Saturday. MNU started quickly by forcing a 3-and-out on Avila's opening drive. After a nice punt return by
AJ Rodriguez started MNU near midfield, the Pioneers scored 3 plays and 26 seconds later to go up 7-0.
Greg Gates ran for 10 yards followed by a
Sean Ransburg scramble for 27 more. Ransburg then found
Juan Redmon wide open in the end zone for the score.
Avila opened the second quarter with their first touchdown of the season, a 3-yard swing pass turned into a 39-yard touchdown as the Avila receiver darted through defenders to tie the game. But that was all the scoring the Eagles could manage, and the Pioneers pulled away.
MNU answered with 3 touchdowns in a row before halftime. The first one was a 13-play 60-yard touchdown drive to take back the lead. The Pioneers followed that with a 9-play 91-yard drive capped off by a
Greg Gates 8-yard touchdown run. After an Avila fumble in the final minute of the half,
Tyler Herl entered the game to relieve a banged up Ransburg and didn't miss a beat. Three passes later, the Pioneers were in the end zone again and went to the locker room with a 28-7 lead.
Cody Morrow started the 3rd quarter with a 47-yard field goal, and 2 drives later
Brett Houchen put the game away with a 79-yard reverse for a touchdown to put MNU up 38-7. Morrow capped off the scoring with a short field goal in the 4th quarter, and the Pioneers cruised to the 41-7 victory.
Sean Ransburg was 16-25 for 142 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed 5 times for 70 yards.
Tyler Herl was 6-8 for 59 yards and a touchdown.
Greg Gates rushed 10 times for 96 yards and a touchdown.
Juan Redmon caught 5 passes for 59 yards and a touchdown. Brandon Phillips had 5 catches for 41 yards. And
Brett Houchen had 4 catches for 40 yards and a touchdown. He also had one rush for 79 yards and a touchdown.
Brandon Smith led the defense with 6 tackles, including an 8-yard sack, forced fumble, and a pass break-up.
Jared Moyston had 3 tackles including 2 sacks for 15 yards. And
Mason Mathews recorded 2 sacks as well.
The Pioneers are 2-1 (2-1 HAAC). The next game is Saturday, October 1st at Baker (3-2, 2-2) at 1:00.
Stats and Play by Play
