Pioneers Open With Dominant Road Win

The Basics
Score: MNU 49 - Graceland 17
Record: MNU (1-0), GU (0-1)
Location: Lamoni, Iowa

LAMONI, Iowa - The Pioneers dominated Graceland to open the 2021 season on Saturday. After a few punts ended each team's early drives, the Pioneers gained great field position when Zyree White forced a fumble deep in Graceland territory. Quarterback CJ Fowler connected with Caleb Tanis from 8 yards out, and MNU led 7-0. Graceland's next drive ended when Troy Hall intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown and a 14-0 lead. The Yellowjackets answered with a 9-play 48-yard field goal drive, but another long drive ended with a missed field goal, and MNU had the ball with 2 minutes remaining in the half. The Pioneers marched 80 yards in 13 plays, and Fowler found Tanis again for a touchdown with no time on the clock. Colinje Wilridge capped the opening drive of the second half with a 5-yard touchdown, and the rout was on. The lead ballooned to 42-3 before Graceland scored a couple of garbage-time touchdowns, and the Pioneers won 49-17.

Turning Point
Troy Hall's Pick-6 put Graceland in a big hole.

Individual Leaders
CJ Fowler was 18-27 for 282 yards and 4 touchdowns. Caleb Tanis had 9 catches for 159 yards and 4 touchdowns. Jairan Manning ran 14 times for 69 yards and a touchdown. Colinje Wilridge had 9 carries for 41 yards and a touchdown. Zyree White led the defense with 8 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. Phillip White had 8 tackles. Tre'Matt Pledger had 7 tackles including a sack. And Troy Hall had 6 tackles and a Pick-6.

Inside the Box Score
MNU averaged 7.0 yards per play.

Up Next
The next game is the home opener on Saturday at ODAC vs. Culver-Stockton (0-1) at 1:00.