The Basics
Score: MNU 0, Morningside 35
Record: MNU (9-2), Morningside (11-1)
Location: Elwood Olsen Stadium - Sioux City, Iowa
SIOUX CITY, Iowa – MNU kept the game close for a while, but ultimately lost big at #6 Morningside on Saturday. The Pioneers couldn't find any points and were held to 267 yards of total offense while allowing 393 to a balanced Morningside attack. In the first half, the teams traded punts and turnovers, with the Mustangs managing the only scoring drive for a 7-0 lead. Late in the second half, the Pioneers had a final drive opportunity to try to get on the board, but a quick 3-and-out led to a punt and a huge return. Morningside capitalized with a quick touchdown to take a 14-0 lead to the locker room.
The Pioneers forced a 3-and-out to start the 2nd half, and took the ensuing drive deep into Mustang territory. A 100-yard pick-6 ended the drive, however, and MNU suddenly trailed by 3 scores. Kidd Dickerson recorded an interception on the next drive, but MNU was stopped on 4th down. The Mustangs responded with a 9-play 83-yard touchdown drive, and kept MNU off the board the rest of the way.
"Not quite the outcome we wanted today," said head coach Paul Hansen. "They just made more plays than we did. When it comes to playoff football, you can't make mistakes. I'm still very proud of this team and what we accomplished this year. Winning back to back conference championships and making the playoffs for the first time in 10 years was an incredible accomplishment. I'm very thankful to our seniors for everything they have done to bring back championship football here at MNU."
Turning Point
Morningside's 100-yard interception return early in the third quarter turned a manageable 14-0 deficit into an insurmountable 21-point gap.
Inside the Box Score
- MNU converted only 7% (1 of 15) of third downs
Individual Leaders
Up Next
The next game is the season opener in the Fall of 2025.
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