The Basics
Score: MNU 24 - Clarke 21
Record: MNU (4-1), CU (1-4)
Location: ODAC | Olathe, Kan.
OLATHE, Kan. - MNU came back from a 21-0 deficit to beat Clarke 27-24 on Saturday. The Pride took the opening drive 67 yards in 12 plays for a 7-0 lead, and the Pioneers went 3-and-out in 32 seconds to give the ball right back. Clarke again marched 71 yards in 15 plays, but the Pioneers made a stop on 4th down to get the ball back. MNU had another 3-and-out - this time a strip sack - and Clarke scored quickly for a 14-0 lead early in the 2nd quarter. The Pioneers responded with a drive into Clarke territory, but a 4th down stop in the red zone thwarted the opportunity. Clarke used a 3rd down 86-yard touchdown pass to get out of trouble, and the Pride led 21-0. MNU finally got on the board with a long touchdown drive, and a field goal block on the other end put MNU in the locker room down 21-7.
MNU started the 2nd half with a 7-play 45-yard touchdown drive, and the defense responded with a stop to force a punt. On the first play of the ensuing drive,
Adrian Parsons connected with
Arlandes Mitchell for an MNU record-tying 90-yard touchdown pass to tie the game.
Trevor Highley's 37-yard field goal put MNU out in front late in the 3rd, but Clarke tied it with a 30-yarder early in the 4th. With 3 minutes left in the game,
Anthony Sao blocked a 34-yard field goal attempt, and MNU took the ball for a final drive.
MNU faced a 3rd and 15 near midfield, and Parsons found
EJ Rogers for 17 yards to keep the drive alive. With 6 seconds remaining,
Trevor Highley nailed a short field goal to break the tie. Clarke tried a desperation multi-lateral play at the end, but it went nowhere and the Pioneers won 27-24.
Turning Point
Trevor Highley's field goal with 2 seconds left was the difference.
Inside the Box Score
Clarke ran 21 more plays than MNU.
Individual Leaders
Adrian Parsons was 20-32 for 295 yards and a touchdown.
Arlandes Mitchell had 4 catches for 113 yards and a touchdown.
Shawn Cherry and
Cameron Finley each recorded a rushing touchdown.
Jaylen Kariuk had 3.5 tackles for loss, including 2 sacks. And
Trevor Highley had 2 field goals including the game-winner.
Up Next
The next game is Saturday at Graceland (3-2) at 2:00.
