The Basics
Score: MNU 42 - St. Ambrose 0
Record: MNU (4-0), SAU (2-3)
Location: Bush Stadium - Davenport, Iowa
DAVENPORT, Iowa – The 19th-ranked Pioneers delivered a commanding performance, blanking St. Ambrose 42-0 on the road Saturday afternoon. It is MNU's first shutout since 2014 and first 4-0 start since 2010. MNU exploded for 21 points in the first quarter, with two long touchdown strikes from Adrian Parsons to Aiyo'n Carter (75 and 78 yards) and a 74-yard punt return for a touchdown by Cameron Finley. The Pioneers never looked back, adding two more scores in the second quarter, including a six-yard run by Shawn Cherry and a 12-yard touchdown reception by Cherry to cap an 8-play, 56-yard drive, giving MNU a 35-0 lead at the half.
The Pioneers' defense was relentless, sacking St. Ambrose quarterback Tomele Staples 12 times and holding the Bees to just 264 yards of total offense. The second half featured only one more score, a 44-yard touchdown pass from Parsons to Carter, sealing the 42-0 shutout.
"I'm really proud how our guys went on the road and dominated the game from the opening kick off," said head coach Paul Hansen. "I'm really proud of our defense for shutting that offense out. Then our special teams scoring on the punt return was great. We won in all three fazes of the game. We will need that down the stretch as we are competing in the Heart South."
Turning Point
MNU's explosive first quarter, highlighted by two touchdown bombs to Aiyo'n Carter and a punt return TD by Cameron Finley, put the game out of reach early.
Individual Leaders
Adrian Parsons: 12-29, 281 yards, 4 TDs
Aiyo'n Carter: 3 catches, 197 yards, 3 TDs
Cameron Finley: 3 punt returns, 78 yards, 1 TD; 13 rushes, 51 yards
Shawn Cherry: 11 carries, 67 yards, 1 TD; 12-yard receiving TD
Calvin Broussard: 12 tackles, 2.5 sacks
Lance Jones: 9 tackles, 1.5 sacks
Jacob Tegt: 4 tackles, 1 INT
Up Next
The next game is Saturday at William Woods (1-4) at 1:00.
