Pioneers Win at Valley

The Basics
Score: MNU 28 - Missouri Valley 24
Record: MNU (8-2, 3-1), MVC (5-4, 2-2)
Location: Gregg-Mitchell Field | Marshall, Mo.

OLATHE, Kan. - The Pioneers won a tight contest 28-24 at Missouri Valley on Saturday. MNU has reached 8 wins for the first time since 2014. The Pioneers took their first drive starting from their own 13 and went 87 yards in 13 plays, capped by a 6-yard pass from Adrian Parsons to Arlandes Mitchell, for the early lead. Valley tied it two drives later, and the game remained close throughout. In the 2nd quarter, MNU went 82 yards in 14 plays, but the short field goal was blocked and game stayed tied. After a Matthew Georgie interception, Parsons found Kaleb Bryant for a touchdown and a 14-7 lead before halftime.

The teams traded punts and turnovers in the 3rd quarter until the Vikings finally scored to tie the game, and Valley took a 17-14 lead with a field goal early in the 4th. MNU answered right back with a 4-play 75-yard drive - highlighted by a Parsons to Mitchell 46-yard play and a Myles Hymes 10-yard touchdown - to get the lead back. The Pioneer defense made a stop on the next drive, but the punt return was fumbled and Valley scored 2 plays later to take a 24-21 lead with 8 minutes left. MNU went 78 yards in 13 plays - including three 3rd-and-long conversions - to grab the lead back. The Pioneers turned Valley over on downs, but couldn't quite put the game away on their next drive, and Valley had 47 seconds to score a touchdown. Rance Hamilton picked off Valley's QB, and MNU was able to seal the win.

Turning Point
MNU's final touchdown drive turned a deficit into a lead.

Individual Leaders
Adrian Parsons was 28-44 for 306 yards and 3 touchdowns. Arlandes Mitchell caught 11 passes for 175 yards and a score. Kaleb Bryant recorded a rushing and receiving touchdown. Myles Hymes had a touchdown catch. And Matthew Georgie, Ethan Pritchard, and Rance Hamilton recorded interceptions.

Up Next
The next game is Saturday at #14 Benedictine (8-2, 4-0) at 1:00. MNU can claim a share of the Heart South with a win.