Stats |
Highlights | MNU jumped out to a huge first-half lead, and held off a tough McPherson squad in the second half to win the opener 34-28. The Pioneers took the opening drive 8 plays for 60 yards and a
Trent Hedlund to
Erik May touchdown pass to take the lead. McPherson answered right back with a quick strike 65-yard touchdown pass to even the score, but MNU dominated the rest of the half.
Cristian Casillas hit a 26-yard field goal, and the Pioneers forced a 3-and-out on the next drive. Hedlund went 3-3 passing for 42 yards on a 6-play touchdown drive to close the first quarter, and MNU led 17-7.
After the Pioneer defense forced McPherson to punt for the fourth straight drive, MNU started their next possession with a 52-yard pass from Hedlund to
Wesley Foryoh to set up in the red zone.
Javon Taylor finished the drive two plays later with a 3-yard score, and MNU led 24-7. MNU forced yet another punt, and Taylor busted through for a 63-yard touchdown run on the ensuing drive to put the Pioneers up by 24 at halftime.
The second half flipped the script and McPherson made a game of it. The Bulldogs scored on a 6-play 72-yard drive midway through the third quarter, and the Pioneer offense was shut out. The quarter ended with MNU holding a 31-14 lead, but McPherson still had plenty left.
The fourth quarter started with back-to-back-to-back turnovers.
Derek Pollox forced a fumble, but MNU fumbled it right back on the very next play. On the ensuing McPherson drive Pollox showed up again, drilling the quarterback just as he tried to throw the ball. The ball popped straight up and Pollox recovered in time to make the interception. MNU recorded a 34-yard field goal 7 plays later to take a 20-point lead. McPherson responded with an 8-play 60-yard drive, then recovered an onside kick to keep the ball. An 8-play 50-yard touchdown drive got the Bulldogs within striking distance, but the Pioneers were able to run out the clock and win by 6.
Trent Hedlund was 17-29 for 232 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Javon Taylor had 13 carries for 134 yards and 2 touchdowns, all in the first half.
Chris Fields caught 5 balls for 93 yards and a touchdown. And
Cristian Casillas hit field goals from 34 and 26 yards.
Aaron Mossbarger recorded 9 tackles including 1.5 tackles for loss and a pass breakup.
Justin Vargas had 9 tackles.
DeMarco Kemp and
Mason Mathews each recorded a sack. And
Derek Pollox had 6 tackles, an interception, 2 pass breakups, and a forced fumble.
MNU is 1-0. The next game is Saturday at ODAC vs. Graceland (1-1) at 6:00.
