Pioneers Hold Off Bobcats

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The Basics
Score: MNU 21 - Peru State 19
Record: MNU (3-2), PSC (2-3)
Location: ODAC - Olathe, Kan.

OLATHE, Kan. - The Pioneers fought off a 2-point try in the final seconds to beat Peru State 21-19 on Saturday. MNU forced a 3-and-out on the first possession, then marched 57 yards in 7 plays - capped by a Shawn Cherry 1-yaard touchdown run - to take a 7-0 lead. The teams traded interceptions before Peru drove 64 yards for a field goal, but the Pioneers started the second quarter with a 10-play, 89-yard touchdown drive for a 14-3 lead. Mike Harrison picked off a pass at the Peru 32 yard line, and Adrian Parsons found Paul Saint Louis for a 32-yard touchdown on the next play. The 21-3 lead held into halftime.

In the second half, the Pioneers offense sputtered and Peru started to come back. The Bobcats turned a fumble into a touchdown, then converted a field goal to make the score 21-13 with 10 minutes remaining. MNU was forced to punt, then stopped Peru on 4th down with 3:30 remaining. Another stop gave the Bobcats one more chance with 90 seconds left, and they drove down to the goal line with under 10 seconds on the clock. A QB keeper found the end zone, but the 2-point conversion pass attempt was intercepted by Kidd Dickerson, and MNU recovered the onside kick for the win.

Turning Point
MNU's stop in the final seconds kept the lead.

Inside the Box Score
Peru won most stat categories.

Individual Leaders
Adrian Parsons passed for 194 yards and 2 touchdowns. Shawn Cherry had a touchdown run. Paul Saint Louis had 4 catches for 79 yards and a touchdown. Tyler Masunas had a touchdown catch. Troy Hall, Kevin Ledesma-Garcia, and Zyree White had 7 tackles apiece. Jaydn McWilliams had a sack and an interception. Mike Harrison had an interception. Cade Kelly had a sack and forced fumble. And Grant Pella averaged 47 yards on 6 punts.

Up Next
The next game is Saturday at Clarke (3-2) 1:00.