The Basics
Score: MNU 13 - William Penn 30
Record: MNU (0-1), WPU (1-0)
Location: ODAC - Olathe, Kan.
OLATHE, Kan. - MNU recovered 6 fumbles but couldn't get much traction on the scoreboard in a 30-13 loss to William Penn on Saturday. The Statesmen fumbled 3 times in the 1st quarter, but the Pioneers responded with a 3-and-out each time and trailed 7-0 at the break. Penn took a 14-0 lead early in the 2nd, but MNU's ensuing drive resulted in a 1-play 67-yard drive as
Levi Taylor connected with
Kobe Hardin to cut the deficit in half. WPU scored again late in the half, but the Pioneers were able to get just to the edge of field goal range in the final seconds.
Pablo Pereira's 52-yard attempt had plenty of leg but banged off the post, the MNU went to the locker room trailing 21-7.
The second half started with a Penn 9-play 69-yard touchdown drive, and the Statesmen scored again with a 30-yard field goal to take a commanding lead. Taylor found
Mikeo Bonam for a touchdown late in the 3rd, but the PAT was missed and neither team scored again for a 30-13 final.
"I'm really proud of how hard our guys played tonight," said head coach
Paul Hansen. "I was very pleased with the defense forcing 6 turnovers. Unfortulately, we weren't able to capitalize off the turnovers. We player several young guys tonight and got to see what they can do. We will get back at it next week and correct our mistakes and get ready for a good Peru State team."
Turning Point
MNU's inability to capitalize on 3 first-quarter fumbles was the biggest factor.
Individual Leaders
Jairan Manning had 30 carries for 79 yards.
Levi Taylor was 16-25 for 239 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Kobe Hardin had 5 catches for 106 yards and a touchdown.
Jackson Berck had 14 tackles and 3 fumble recoveries.
Reece Portugal had 2 forced fumbles.
Jalen McQueen recorded 12 tackles. And
Denzel Mena had 3 tackles for loss.
Inside the Box Score
WPU out-rushed MNU 380 to 53.
Up Next
Saturday's at Peru State (0-0) has been postponed until November 21 at 6:00. MNU's next game is Saturday, September 26 at home (ODAC) vs. Clarke at 1:00.
