CMU Pulls Away in 2nd Half

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The Basics
Score: MNU 24 - Central Methodist 41
Record: MNU (2-6, 0-2), CMU (6-2, 2-0)
Location: Pioneer Field - Olathe, Kan.

OLATHE, Kan. - The Pioneers were back on campus for the first time since another Homecoming game in 2017 (MNU has been playing at ODAC since 2012), but came away with a 41-24 loss to Central Methodist on Saturday. MNU got on the board first, when Anthony Sao picked off a pass at the 15 yard line and ran it all the way back for an 85-yard Pick-6. The Eagles responded with a touchdown drive to tie it, but MNU drove 69 yards in 12 plays for a Colinje Wilridge touchdown run. The Pioneer defense forced a 3-and-out on the next drive, and the offense went 82 yards in 7 plays for a Blake Atkins to Wilridge touchdown pass and a 21-7 lead. MNU forced another 3-and-out, and the Pioneers looked to take a 3-score lead. But an interception set up the Eagles deep in MNU territory. CMU scored in 1 play, then forced a punt on MNU's next drive. The Eagles converted 2 fourth down plays on the next drive, and went 89 yards in 12 plays for a game-tying score. Trevor Highley's 23-yard field goal put MNU up by 3, but CMU tied it in the final second of the half to send the game to the break knotted at 24.

CMU struck first in the second half with a field goal after a blocked punt, and the rest of the game was all Eagles. MNU couldn't break through with points, and CMU managed 2 more touchdown drives to pull away.

Turning Point
After the interception early in the 2nd quarter, CMU out-scored MNU 34-3.

Individual Leaders
Blake Atkins was 26-45 for 319 yards and a touchdown. Colinje Wilridge rushed for 52 yards with a touchdown, and caught 5 passes for 63 yards and a touchdown. Caleb Tanis caught 8 passes for 114 yards. And Anthony Sao recorded a Pick-6

Inside the Box Score
Caleb Tanis, the NAIA touchdown reception leader, went without a touchdown catch for the first time this season.

Up Next
The next game is Senior Day at ODAC on Saturday the 30th vs. Evangel at 1:00.