Pioneers Fall at Peru

The Basics
Score: MNU 14 - Peru State 21
Record: MNU (1-4), PSC (3-2)
Location: Oak Bowl - Peru, Neb.

PERU, Neb. - The Pioneers made a late comeback but came up short in a 21-14 loss at Peru State on Saturday. The offense struggled in the first half, recording just 1 first down and 7 punts with 2 minutes left in the 2nd quarter. The final drive of the half saw the Pioneers gain some traction and move into Peru territory, but a 4th down pass was incomplete and the Bobcats led 18-0 at the break.

Peru managed a field goal late in the 3rd to make it 21-0, and an MNU red zone turnover at the end of the period seemed to put the game away. The Pioneers finally sustained possession with a 10-play 70-yard touchdown drive early in the 4th, and a quick 3-and-out gave MNU an outside shot. An 8-play drive ended with a turnover on downs, however, and MNU was running out of time. A 7-play 80-yard drive ended with an Adrian Parsons touchdown pass to Caleb Tanis to get MNU within striking distance, but the onside kick was recovered by Peru, and the Bobcats held on to win 21-14.

Turning Point
MNU's inability to move the ball in the first half doomed them.

Individual Leaders
Adrian Parsons was 12-16 for 145 yards and a touchdown. Caleb Tanis caught 6 passes for 93 yards and a touchdown. Tre'Matt Pledger recorded 11 tackles. And Carlos Fernandez had 2 pass breakups.

Inside the Box Score
Despite the first half woes, the teams ended up with the same number of first downs (17).

Up Next
The next game is Saturday at home vs. Clarke (0-5) at 1:00.