The Basics
Score: MNU 35 - William Penn 36
Record: MNU (2-2), WPU (2-2)
Location: - ODAC - Olathe, Kan.
OLATHE, Kan. - The Pioneers built a 28-9 lead in the 3rd quarter but William Penn completed a furious comeback to beat MNU 36-35 on Saturday. In the first quarter, the Pioneers went 85 yards in 8 plays for a
Kobe Hardin 20-yard touchdown to take the lead. After the Pioneers stopped Penn on 4th down,
Austin Blackston led MNU 75 yards in 8 plays for a
Julian Noriega 17-yard touchdown catch for a 14-0 lead. The Statesmen responded with a touchdown in the second quarter, but MNU's 60-yard touchdown pass from Blackston to
Jackson Sherley put the Pioneers up 21-6 at halftime.
WPU started the 3rd quarter with a field goal, and
Austin Blackston extended MNU's lead with a 51-yard touchdown run to make it 28-9. The next 4 minutes were a disaster as William Penn completed a 5-play 69-yard touchdown drive, recovered a fumble near the goal line, and quickly punched it in to to trim the deficit to 5. MNU responded with another 8-play touchdown drive, and the Pioneers went to the 4th quarter leading by 12. With 7 minutes remaining, WPU broke loose for a 59-yard touchdown to get back within 5. On MNU's ensuing drive near midfield with 2 minutes remaining, a Penn defender recorded a strip sack and ran 67 yards the other way for a touchdown to give the Statesmen their first lead of the game. The Pioneers drove all the way to the red zone, including two 4th-and-15 conversions, but a 33-yard field goal attempt with 30 seconds left was blocked, and the Statesmen won by one.
Turning Point
William Penn's 67-yard fumble recovery touchdown gave the Statesmen their first lead.
Individual Leaders
Austin Blackston threw for 249 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also rushed for 58 yards and a score.
Jamar Moya had 24 carries for 125 yards and 4 catches for 27 yards.
Ryan Huerta recorded 16 tackles. And
Alex Reeves had 10 tackles including a sack.
Inside the Box Score
William Penn did not complete a pass.
Up Next
The next game is Saturday at Benedictine (2-1) at 1:00.
