Javon Taylor sits atop the MNU career rushing list after a 211 yard performance in a 49-27 victory over Central Methodist on Saturday. Greg Gates amassed 3,692 yards from 2010-2013 to set the record, and Taylor (Gates' teammate in '13) has accumulated 3,900 yards from 2013-2016 with 1 game remaining in his career.
Taylor needed just 4 yards to set the new mark, but didn't touch the ball until the second series. On MNU's first play from scrimmage,
Trey Cooper hooked up with
Devon Boyce for a 44-yard touchdown pass to grab the early lead. Taylor gained 7 yards on his first carry to break the record, then Cooper connected with Boyce again for a 44-yard gain. Taylor scored on the next play, and the rout was on. Late in the first quarter, Taylor took a handoff 68 yards for a touchdown, and MNU led 21-0.
Keeping with the big play theme, Cooper found
Dalton Inlow for an 83-yard touchdown early in the second quarter, and MNU took a 42-13 lead into halftime. The second half scoring slowed as both teams killed clock,
Dalton Inlow's 68-yard punt return for a touchdown highlighted the 4th quarter, and the Pioneers came away with a 49-27 victory.
"Today was special day for MNU Football," said head coach
Brian Willmer. "We played our 3rd Annual Defeat all Cancer game, we honored our seniors, and
Javon Taylor broke the all-time MNU career rushing record. Javon has been so faithful in everything we have asked of him, it was joy to see him get that record today. He is not only the all-time leading rushing but an amazing young man who personifies what we want our student-athletes to be. The seniors did a great job of leading the team and helped finish well. I felt in the first half we came out fast moving the ball well on the ground and in the air scoring 42 points. The defense played well in the first half only allowing 7 points. We need to continue to improve our overall second half play."
Javon Taylor had 27 carries for 211 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Trey Cooper was 14-20 for 275 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also rushed for 43 yards and a score.
Austin Blackston caught 4 passes for 45 yards and a touchdown.
Devon Boyce hauled in 3 balls for 102 yards and a touchdown. And
Dalton Inlow's 1 catch went for an 83-yard touchdown.
Dominic Swillum had 15 tackles, including a half sack, 1.5 tackles for loss, a fumble recovery, and an interception. And
Ryan Huerta had 13 tackles including a 12-yard sack.
MNU is 6-4 (3-1 Heart South). The final game of the season is Saturday at #9 Missouri Valley (8-2, 3-1) at 1:30.
