The Basics
Score: MNU 49 - Missouri Valley 45
Record: MNU (5-6, 2-3), MVC (5-6, 3-2)
Location: ODAC - Olathe, Kan.
OLATHE, Kan. - The Pioneers closed the season with a 49-45 Senior Day victory over Missouri Valley on Saturday. The Vikings started the scoring with a field goal on their first drive, then connected on a first-play 85-yard touchdown completion for a 10-0 lead. MNU responded with a 9-play 75-yard touchdown drive, but Valley extended the lead early in the 2nd with a 10-play drive, and recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff which led to another touchdown for a 24-7 lead.
MNU hit back with a 12-play 71-yard touchdown drive. The defense forced a 3-and-out, and
Trey Cooper hit
Dahmir Pross for a 45-yard touchdown pass on the next play to get MNU back in the game. The Pioneers trailed by just 3 at halftime.
The second half was a slugfest. MNU went 10 plays for 74 yards to take the lead, but Valley answered with a 10-play 75-yard touchdown drive. Cooper found
Kelvin Jones for a 33-yard score to give MNU a 35-31 lead heading to the 4th, but Valley took the lead back with a first-play 86-yard touchdown pass. Another 75-yard touchdown drive put MNU in front, but Valley scored again to take a 45-42 lead with 5 minutes remaining. Five straight running plays from
Dahmir Pross and Marquis McQuire gave MNU a 49-45 lead with 2:30 left, but Valley marched into the red zone in the final seconds. On 4th and 12,
Josh Guerrero broke up the final pass attempt and MNU escaped with a win.
"This was a great team win," said Coach Willmer. "The ending of this game was a special way to send our seniors out and to honor all the veterans. This team has dealt with our share of adversity this year and just keep fighting despite some frustrating loses and personnel changes. For this team to come back from being down early and finish on a 4th down stop was so fun to be a part of. The offense did a good job of keeping us in the game executing the game plan well. Dhamir Pross had another great game along with
Marquise McGuire and the offensive line along with
Jalen McQueen filling in at fullback did an excellent job opening up those holes.
Trey Cooper passed and ran well capping off a great senior year. The receivers came up with some big catches and the defense made some huge plays at the end of the game. I am so proud of this team and these seniors for finishing well."
Turning Point
Trailing 24-7 in the 2nd quarter, the Pioneers scored 2 touchdowns just minutes apart to get back in the game.
Individual Leaders
Dahmir Pross had 33 carries for 162 yards and a touchdown. He also caught 3 balls for 65 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Trey Cooper passed for 249 yards and a career-high tying 5 TDs, and ran for 71 yards.
Marcus Moody caught 6 passes for 94 yards and a touchdown.
Austin Blackston and
Kelvin Jones each recorded a touchdown catch.
Ryan Huerta had 13 tackles, including 3 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. And
Josh Guerrero had an interception and a pass breakup.
