The Basics
Score: MNU 19 - Central Methodist 7
Record: MNU (7-4, 2-3), CMU (4-6-1, 2-3)
Location: ODAC - Olathe, Kan.
OLATHE, Kan. - Chris Hannible's 101-yard Pick 6 ended a tight contest as MNU beat CMU 19-7 for Senior Day on Saturday. With the Eagles trailing by 6 and driving to the MNU 13-yard line in the final seconds, Hannible snatched the pass out of the air and ran behind a convoy of blockers all the way to the end zone as time expired.
The game started with CMU driving 14 plays to get within field goal range, but the 30-yard attempt missed left. MNU responded with a 10-play 80-yard touchdown drive, capped by a
Jairan Manning 12-yard score, and the Pioneers led 7-0. The teams traded punted until CMU scored on a 1-play 45-yard drive after starting their possession in MNU territory to tie it.
Justice Jardine blocked a field goal to keep the game tied as the teams went to the locker room for halftime.
Twice in the 3rd quarter, MNU turned the ball over on CMU punts, but the defense held firm and the game remained tied at 7 into the 4th. The Pioneers started the 4th with a touchdown drive, but the PAT was blocked and the lead was 13-7. With 90 seconds left, the Eagles started their final drive from their own 30. They converted a 4th and 10 to stay alive, and moved the ball into the red zone with under 20 seconds left. Hannible's heroics came with 7 seconds left on 3rd down, and MNU won with the Pick 6 by the score of 19-7.
Turning Point
Hannible's 101-yard Pick 6 turned a potential game-tying throw into a game-ending turnover.
Individual Leaders
Jairan Manning had 30 carries for 154 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Blake Atkins completed 9 passes for 129 yards.
Keegan Sturdy caught 3 passes for 79 yards.
Jackson Berck had 13 tackles. And
Denzel Mena (2),
Ryan Huerta (1), and
Jimmy Parison (1) combined for 4 sacks.
Inside the Box Score
CMU had more first downs, more total yards, and ran 25 more plays than MNU.
Up Next
The next game is the 2020 season opener at home vs. Grand View.
