Culver Spoils MNU Home Opener

The Basics
Score: MNU 19 - Culver-Stockton 37
Record: MNU (1-1), CSC (1-1)
Location: ODAC - Olathe, Kan.

OLATHE, Kan. - The Pioneers fell to 1-1 after a 37-19 loss to Culver-Stockton on Saturday. MNU got on the board first when Clayton Essex forced a fumble and Kidd Dickerson recovered it at the Culver 35-yard line. Eight plays later, CH Fowler found Colinje Wilridge for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead. The Wildcats answered right back with a 6-play 58-yard touchdown drive to tie it, then intercepted a pass on MNU's next drive and scored quickly for a 14-7 lead. The teams traded punts for most of the 2nd quarter, but Culver pulled further ahead with a late touchdown and a 20-7 lead at the break. Culver opened the 3rd quarter with a 4-play touchdown drive, and the 20-point lead was too much to overcome. Fowler connected with Caleb Tanis for a 23-yard touchdown, but Culver answered quickly to push the lead back to 20. The Wildcats extended the lead in the 4th, and MNU dropped the home opener.

"Unfortunately we didn't get the result we wanted," said head coach Paul Hansen. "There were several positive things we will take from this game. We will learn from it and get better."

Turning Point
Culver's touchdown to open the 3rd put them up by 20.

Individual Leaders
CJ Fowler was 26-51 for 236 yards and 3 touchdowns. Colinje Wilridge, Caleb Tanis, and Myles Hymes each recorded a touchdown catch. And Troy Hall led the defense with 8 tackles.

Inside the Box Score
Culver was 4-4 in the red zone.

Up Next
The next game is Saturday at William Penn (0-2) at 6:00.