MNU handed the ball to
Javon Taylor early and often in a 37-18 victory over Graceland on Saturday. The senior responded with 173 yards and 3 touchdowns as MNU moved to 3-0. MNU scored on the first drive when quarterback
Trey Cooper completed a 14-yard pass, scrambled for 38 yards to the red zone, and punched it in himself from 7 yards out to take the lead. The Pioneers went up by 2 scores after
Stephen Ruth blocked a punt.
Austin Blackston scooped and got all the way to the 6-yard line. Taylor finished the short drive with a 1-yard touchdown, and MNU led 14-0. Taylor's biggest play came early in the second quarter when he broke through the line and blew away the secondary for a 43-yard score.
Corey Tucker picked off a pass to end Graceland's ensuing drive, but the Yellowjackets got a stop and broke through with a touchdown.
Javon Taylor's third touchdown was a 9-yard jaunt through multiple defenders to put MNU back up by 21 at halftime.
Jojo Bones opened the second half with a Pick 6 to put the game away, and the Pioneers cruised to the 37-18 win.
Taylor had 30 carries for 173 yards and 3 scores.
Trey Cooper had 71 yards rushing and 75 yards passing. Bones, Tucker, and
Armani Willie recorded interceptions, and
Dominic Swillum led the defense with 9 tackles.
MNU is 3-0. The next game is Saturday at #15 Benedictine (2-1) at 11:00. The game will be featured on ESPN3.
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