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The Basics
Score: MNU 56 - Clarke 39
Record: MNU (2-4), CU (0-6)
Location: ODAC - Olathe, Kan.
OLATHE, Kan. - The Pioneers won a back-and-forth battle with Clarke University on Saturday. MNU landed the first punch with a
Troy Hall pick-6, then blocked a field goal to stop Clarke's ensuing drive before striking again with a
Blake Atkins to
Torin Owolabi 56-yard touchdown pass for a 14-0 lead. The Pride answered with a quick touchdown, but the Pioneers scored again on a 4-play 85-yard drive - highlighted by a 69-yard pass from Atkins to
Ethan Pritchard - to take a 21-7 lead. Clarke scored the next 17 points, however, and took a 24-21 lead into halftime.
The 3rd quarter was all MNU. Atkins connected with
Caleb Tanis for a 25-yard touchdown, then found
Bryan Cox for a 4-yard TD for an 11-point lead. Tre-Matt Pledger put MNU up big with a 31-yard pick-6, but Clarke didn't go away quietly. The Pride started the 4th quarter with a touchdown, then struck again with a 56-yard touchdown to get within 3 points. But Atkins found Tanis on the next 2 drives - sandwiched around another Hall interception - to push the lead back to 17.
"This was a great team win," said head coach
Paul Hansen. "All phases contributed to the win and I'm proud of how hard the guys fought. We will use this momentum as we start the Heart South schedule in two weeks."
Turning Point
Troy Hall's Pick-6 set the tone.
Individual Leaders
Blake Atkins was 20-37 for 394 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Caleb Tanis caught 8 passes for 174 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Tre'Matt Pledger recorded 10 tackles and a Pick-6.
Troy Hall had 2 interceptions including a Pick-6. And
Anthony Sao had 3 pass breakups and a forced fumble.
Inside the Box Score
MNU ran 18 more plays than Clarke.
Up Next
The next game is Saturday the 16th at Baker (5-1) at 6:00.
