The #11 Pioneers are back atop the HAAC for the first time since 2011 with a 45-3 vitory over Avila on Saturday. They secured the automatic berth in the NAIA Championship Series and will find out their final ranking and playoff opponent/location Sunday at 5pm. If MNU is in the top 8, they will host at ODAC this Saturday. If outside the top 8, they will travel."This was a great team win led by a great senior class," said Coach Willmer. "To be able to send these seniors out with a HAAC title, 3 wins over ranked opponents, and now a playoff appearance is a special thing."
After a scoreless first quarter, MNU exploded in the second.
Javon Taylor finished a 6-play 31-yard drive with a 4-yard touchdown to give MNU the lead, and after
Eric Irvin forced Avila to fumble the kickoff, Taylor found the end zone again two plays later. The defense forced a 3-and-out, and Taylor again finished an 11-play 67-yard drive with a touchdown to give MNU a 21-0 lead at the half.
The second half started with Taylor's fourth touchdown run of the game, and the rout was on.
Cristian Casillas added a field goal,
Brandon Jeffries found
Zach Brandsted for a 4-yard touchdown, and
Charles Quainoo found paydirt to account for the 45 points.
Taylor carried 21 times for 100 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Charles Quainoo had 6 carries for 58 yards and a touchdown. And
Chris Fields caught 4 balls for 73 yards.
James Guerrero and
Matt Rashad had 9 tackles apiece to lead the defense.
Mason Mathews recorded a sack. And
Connor Benado,
Eric Irvin,
Anthony Ford, and
Kameron King forced fumbles.
MNU is 9-1 (8-1 HAAC). The next game will be Saturday the 22nd, opponent and location will be announced Sunday at 5:30.
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