The Basics
Score: MNU 35 - Bethel 83
Record: MNU (0-3), CU (4-0)
Location: Thresher Stadium - North Newton, Kan.
NORTH NEWTON, Kan. - The Pioneers hung with #24 Bethel for the first half, but the second half got away in an 83-35 loss on Saturday. MNU marched right down the field and scored in 7 plays to open the game, but Bethel did the same to tie it. The teams traded quick touchdowns again, but MNU took the lead on a
Jonas Pippitt scoop-and-score for a 21-14 lead. The wild first quarter ended with Bethel going 75 yards in 2 plays for the period's 6th touchdown and a 21-21 tie. The beginning of the 2nd quarter was more of the same, as Bethel scored on a 9-play drive and MNU tied it at 28 with a 10-play drive. The Threshers started to take control with 2 more touchdowns before halftime, but the Pioneers were still in the game early in the second half. After a fumble gave MNU the ball,
Blake Atkins found
Kobe Hardin for a 1-play 34-yard touchdown to get within 6 points, but Bethel ran away with the rest of the game. The Threshers recorded a touchdown on 6 of their next 7 drives, and the Pioneers couldn't keep up.
"I was proud how our guys competed vs. Bethel," said head coach
Paul Hansen. "They are a strong program that's had success lately. We saw improvements in several areas compared to a week ago. We still have some areas we need to get better in before we start our conference divisional games next week."
Turning Point
With MNU trailing 49-35 early in the second half, Bethel intercepted a pass and MNU never got close again.
Individual Leaders
Kobe Hardin caught 7 passes for 131 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Blake Atkins was 19-34 for 237 yards and 2 passings touchdowns while running for a 3rd.
Jonas Pippitt recorded 16 tackles including a sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. And
Jackson Berck had 11 tackles with a sack.
Inside the Box Score
Bethel recorded 610 rushing yards.
Up Next
The next game is Saturday at Missouri Valley (1-1) at 1:00.
