The Basics
Score: MNU 29 - Evangel 31
Record: MNU (3-5), Evangel (5-3)
Location: Pioneer Stadium - Olathe, Kan.
OLATHE, Kan. - The Pioneers trailed 31-7 in the 4th quarter but battled back all the way to lose by just 2 to Evangel on Saturday. The game was played on MNU's campus for the first time since 2011.
MNU took the opening drive 75 yards in 10 plays and Marquis McQuire finished it off with a touchdown. But Evangel stopped the Pioneers for the next 9 drives while building a 31-7 lead. In the 4th quarter, MNU started to flip the script. An 8-play 64-yard touchdown drive ended with a
Trey Cooper to
Jordan Samson touchdown, and the defense forced a 3-and-out. Another quick touchdown drive got the Pioneers within striking distance, and a blocked punt and safety made it a 1-score game. MNU fumbled in Evangel territory on the ensuing drive, but the defense again stood tall for their 3rd straight 3-and-out. With 3 minutes left, MNU started a 9-play 75-yard drive which ended with a
Kelvin Jones touchdown catch. The 2-point conversion with 1 minute remaining failed, however, and Evangel was able to escape.
"I am so proud of how this team fought back to come within two points," said Coach Willmer. "We just have to play four quarters of football and not allow ourselves to get into a hole in the third quarter. The outcome was a difficult one, but it was a fun experience for our players to play on their home campus for the first time in front of their fellow alumni football brothers."
Turning Point
Evangel turned an interception into a touchdown to take a 14-7 lead in the final minute of the first half.
Individual Leaders
Marquis McGuire had 19 carries for 98 yards and a touchdown.
Trey Cooper passed for 258 yards and ran for 45. And
Jordan Samson had 8 catches for 122 yards and a score.
Ryan Huerta recorded 8 tackles and a pass break up. And
Jakob Jordan had an interception.
Inside the Box Score
The furious 4th quarter comeback included 12 plays for 13 yards for the Evangel offense.
Up Next
The next game is Saturday at
ODAC vs. Avila (2-6, 0-2) at 1:00pm.
