Box Score Stats | MNU allowed just 3 points in the second half in a 28-17 victory at #16 Benedictine on Saturday. The Ravens' homecoming was spoiled as the #13 Pioneers won a sloppy turnover-prone game with the strength of the defense. Benedictine entered the game averaging 41.7 points per game (good for 5th in the NAIA), but the Pioneers held them to a season-low 17 points.
In the first quarter, the Pioneers got on the board first with a 6-play 62-yard drive capped off by a
Sean Ransburg to
LaDon Hudson 4-yard touchdown to put MNU up 7-0. On the ensuing drive, MNU stopped BC on 4th and 1 then answered with a 7-play 44-yard touchdown drive to take a 14-0 lead.
Greg Gates recorded the 1-yard touchdown run.
The second quarter was all Benedictine. The Ravens stopped a turnover streak with an 8-play 44-yard touchdown drive as Cameron Fore scored from 4 yards out to cut the lead in half. Prior to the scoring drive, the two teams had turned it over in 3 straight possessions. The Pioneers kept the sloppy play going with another fumble to set up the Ravens at the MNU 8-yard line, and Cameron Fore quickly tied the game with an 8-yard score.
The Pioneers started the second half with an explosion. After starting from their own 8-yard line,
Sean Ransburg took the first play 74 yards to the Benedictine 18. On the next play, Ransburg kept the ball again and knifed for an 18-yard touchdown to give MNU a 21-14 lead. Benedictine answered with a field goal, but they would not score again.
The Ravens started the fourth quarter with a missed 24-yard field goal, and neither offense could get on track for several possessions. Five straight drives ended in punts, draining the clock down to 3 minutes. The Ravens' attempt at a final-drive comeback ended quickly as MNU's
Kyle Cobb picked off the first pass at midfield.
Greg Gates then took the first play of the ensuing drive 44 yards to set up the Pioneers with a first and goal from the 8. The Benedictine defense stood strong, however, and MNU faced a 4th and goal from the 1 with a minute remaining. The Pioneers went for it and ran a keeper sweep with Ransburg. It appeared Ransburg reached the goal line, but he lost the ball as he was hit and fumbled through the end zone for a touchback. The Ravens took over with one more chance with 44 seconds left, but MNU's
Donte Wade scooped a fumble and raced 29 yards for the clinching score.
Ransburg was 12-27 for 104 yards and a touchdown. He also ran 13 times for 123 yards and a touchdown.
Greg Gates had 27 carries for 117 yards and a touchdown.
Austin Conyers (3/54),
LaDon Hudson (3/24 TD), and Brandon Phillips (3/20) had 3 catches apiece for MNU.
Joey Oxley led the defense with 11 tackles.
Joe Camacho recorded 10 tackles including a sack. Mike McJunkins had 7 tackles and a sack.
Dantren Anderson,
JD Wood, and
Kyle Cobb each recorded an interception. And
Donte Wade had a scoop-and-score to ice the game.
The Pioneers are 5-2 (5-1 HAAC). The next game is Saturday the 27th vs. Graceland (4-4, 3-3) at 2:00 for Homecoming.
