The Pioneers led 17-0 before Peru State Bobcats scored 21 unanswered to steal a victory from MNU on Saturday.
This weekend was filled with excitement and opportunity as the MNU Pioneers went in ranked #23 in the NAIA national coaches' poll with a 3-1 record. Last week the Pioneers had a rough loss against rival Benedictine, and looked forward to get back on track against the unranked Bobcats. This weekend also marked the annual MNU Recruiting Day where hundreds of recruits were invited to this week's game and had the opportunity to see what game day as a Pioneer football player looks like. Before the game there was a crowd of recruits and their families on the field being introduced to coaches and getting a feel for the Pioneers home environment. Coach Willmer spoke to the large crowd and described what the MNU football program is all about. "My vision in all of this is to build great Godly men that leave this program and go back to whatever sphere of influence the Lord has called them to and begin to lead in a way that young men need to lead within this country and within this culture that we live in currently."
These young men and their families were fired up after hearing Willmer speak about a program that truly focuses on making a positive impact in lives on and off the field. Once the MNU players came out of the locker room to start the game, every recruit was cheering on the team as if they were already a part of it! The environment for the day was ecstatic with clear skies and a full crowd at the Olathe District Activity Center and the Pioneer faithful were in full attendance Saturday afternoon on top of the packed list of recruits.
MNU got on the board first when
Cristian Casillas nailed a 25-yard field goal at the end of the first quarter. After forcing a 3-and-out, MNU extended the lead with a 9-play 69-yard touchdown drive, capped by a
Javon Taylor 5-yard scamper to put MNU up 10-0. After a turnover gave the Pioneers the ball near midfield, a 7-play 42-yard drive ended with a
Trey Cooper to
Drake Tofi touchdown pass and a 17-0 lead.
But Peru started their comeback late in the first half. The Bobcats recorded a touchdown after executing a 2-minute drill, and the halftime lead was 10 for the Pioneers. Peru then scored on a 12-play 70-yard touchdown drive to open the second half. After trading punts, Peru got the ball in great field position and scored 2 plays later to take a 21-17 lead near the end of the 3rd quarter. The Pioneers had chances in the 4th quarter, but the first drive went 12 plays and ended with an interception. The second drive was 11 plays and ended when the Pioneers couldn't convert on 4th and 1. A final desperate drive in the final minute ended with a sack, and Peru held on to the 4-point victory.
"This was a tough loss," said Willmer. "We came out and played well in the first half with the exception of the late scoring drive. We have to get better as a second-half team and finishing a game.
Javon Taylor and
Drake Tofi showed great heart today and I appreciated their efforts."
Javon Taylor had 30 carries for 135 yards and a touchdown.
Trey Cooper passed for 147 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 36 more.
Gio Gonzalez had 4 catches for 41 yards. And
Drake Tofi caught 3 balls for 28 yards and a touchdown.
Ryan Huerta recorded 11 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss and a half sack. And
Dominic Swillum had 9 tackles with 2 tackles for loss and a sack.
MNU is 3-2. The next game is Saturday at #8 Grand View (4-1) at 11:00. The game will be featured on ESPN3.
Â
