After back-to-back overtime road losses, the Pioneers came home and dominated #18 Benedictine 41-17 on Saturday. MNU scored first after a 12-play 71-yard drive resulting in a Cristian Casillas field goal. Benedictine's first drive of the second quarter ended when James Guerrero tipped a pass and Tanner Hamilton picked it off, setting up MNU at the 7-yard line. Two plays later Javon Taylor scored to put the Pioneers up 10-0. The Ravens got on the board on a 4th and goal 1-yard touchdown run, but MNU responded quickly. The Pioneers went 59 yards in just 3 plays to go up by 10, then forced a 3-and-out to get the ball back. An 8-play 62-yard drive resulted in a Trent Hedlund to Wesley Foryoh 16-yard touchdown, and MNU led 24-7. The Ravens kicked a field goal as the first half expired, and the Pioneers led by 14 at the break.
"We talked all week about fundamental football and the importance of playing great in all three phases, and these guys responded," said coach Brian Willmer. "The offense did a great job of rinning the ball and getting first downs. The defense created multiple turnovers and did a good job stopping the run."MNU put the game away early in the second half. On the first possession after forcing a 3-and-out,
Javon Taylor broke through the line and dashed 52 yards for a touchdown to put the Pioneers up 31-10. The Ravens responded with a quick touchdown drive, but couldn't score again. Casillas hit a 32-yard field goal, and Hedlund recorded his first career rushing touchdown with a 22-yard scramble to complete the scoring.
Javor Taylor ran for 155 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also caught 3 passes for 38 yards.
Drake Tofi added 63 rush yards and 1 score.
Trent Hedlund went 14-23 for 204 yards and a touchdown through the air, and carried the ball twice for 23 yards and a score.
Cristian Casillas was 2-2 in field goals and 5-5 in PATs.
James Guerrero had 2 pass break-ups, a forced fumble, and an interception. And
Jo Jo Bones recorded 2 tackles for loss including a 10-yard sack.
MNU is 2-2. The next game is Saturday at Peru State (3-1) at 1:00.
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