MNU Gives #2 Baker a Scare, Comes up Short in the 2nd Half

This 50th anniversary homecoming weekend, MNU hosted the Baker Wildcats, who are not only undefeated on the season, but ranked #2 nationally in the NAIA. The day started off well, as the Pioneer offense and defense were clicking on all cylinders. Kicker Cristian Casillas put the first points on the board with an impressive 48-yard field goal. The Pioneers held the Wildcats scoreless in the first quarter, the first scoreless quarter played by Baker this year.  
 
Baker scored early in the second half, but the Pioneers quickly answered back. Devon Boyce had two 40-yard catches. The second 40-yard strike was a touchdown pass from Trey Cooper to lift the Pioneers past Baker 10-7. Baker scored once again on a 1-yard run, and MNU's powerhouse running back answered back with a 1-yard blast up the middle to put MNU on top 17-14 going into the half. Again, the first time Baker has entered into a halftime trailing. The up-tempo offense of the Wildcats was being tested for the first time in this season under the pressure and play of the Pioneer defense. On the offensive side of the ball, MNU was doing a solid job stretching out their defense and moving the ball up the field. Gio Gonzalez ended the half with 6 catches for 113 yards.
 
After an impressive first half, MNU looked to continue to contest #2 Baker. Early in the 3rd quarter, the Pioneer defense came up with a huge stop, with a sack by Roy Dennis on a 3rd and 10. But a 15-yard sideline interference penalty wiped it away and set up Baker on MNU's 11-yard line. Baker scored and the 3rd quarter ended with MNU struggling to score and with the defense not being able to get off the field. "The unprecedented and questionable referee tripping call really hurt," said head coach Brian Willmer. "We had them stopped with a probable long field goal attempt, but they ended up with a touchdown that really changed the momentum."

In the fourth quarter, the Pioneers saw 2 passing touchdowns (a 5-yard TD to Gio Gonzalez and 20-yard TD strike to Sam Van Dyk) and a 39-yard field goal by Christian Casillas, on a drive that was set-up after he forced fumble (recovered by PJ Jones), following his own kickoff. But Baker kept the Pioneers at bay and won 55-34.
 
While the Pioneers did not come away with the upset, they scored more points against Baker than any other team in the Heart this season. "I'm incredibly proud of this team," said Willmer. "We have a phenomenal group of seniors and as a team we fought hard. I look forward going into battle with this team for our remaining 3 games. This Pioneer team will take the lessons learned and move forward with resolve and determination to finish this season leading from the front."

Trey Cooper was 25-47 passing for 373 yards and 3 touchdowns. Gio Gonzalez caught 9 balls for 158 yards and a touchdown. Cristian Casillas connected on field goals from 48 and 39 yards. And Ryan Huerta (14), Wesley Williams (9), and Dominic Swillum (7) led the way in tackles.

MNU is 4-4 (1-1 Heart South). The next game is Saturday at Avila (0-8, 0-2) at noon.