Late Comeback Falls Short at Peru

The Basics
Score: MNU 24 - Peru State 31
Record: MNU (3-2), PSC (4-1)
Location: Oak Bowl - Peru, Neb.

PERU, Neb. - The Pioneers dropped a 31-24 game at Peru State on Saturday. A 21-point deficit was trimmed to 7 in the 4th quarter, but time ran out and MNU fell to 3-2. The Bobcats took a 10-0 lead while the Pioneer offense struggled to find rhythm. An interception in the end zone and a botched punt kept Peru State in the lead. A Cristian Casillas field goal got MNU on the board just before halftime, but Peru extended the lead early in the 3rd. MNU started to fight back with a Trey Cooper to Marcus Moody 75-yard touchdown pass, but the Bobcats pushed the lead to 31-10 early in the 4th. Consecutive 3-play touchdown drives by the Pioneers within 7 points, but the final onside kick was recovered by Peru to seal the game.

"This is a frustrating loss," said coach Brian Willmer. "We failed to take advantage of some early opportunities. Peru State is a good team that capitalized on some of our early mistakes. As a team we have to play stronger in the 3rd quarter both the offense and defense. We finished strong but we can't put ourselves in such a large hole. Turnovers play a huge part in a game and we gave up 3 and only got 1; we must improve in this area. This team fought hard and I am proud of how we finished and look forward to bouncing back against Grand View."

Turning Point
With MNU poised to take the lead in the first quarter, Peru State picked off a pass in the end zone and the Pioneers never had the lead.

Individual Leaders
Trey Cooper threw for 335 yards and 2 touchdowns. Marquis McQuire led MNU with 55 yards rushing. Jordan Samson caught 5 passes for 96 yards and a TD. Marcus Moody had 4 catches for 153 yards and a score. Dominic Swillum had 19 tackles including a forced fumble. CJ Dia recorded 10 tackles including a sack. And Isaiah Robinson had 8 tackles with a sack.

Inside the Box Score
MNU had more yards and 1st downs, but Peru won the turnover battle 3-1.

Up Next
The next game is Saturday at home (ODAC) vs. #8 Grand View at 1:00.