The Basics
Score: Baker 34 – MNU 14
Record: MNU (5-2, 2-1), Baker (4-3, 3-0)
Location: Baldwin City, Kan. – Liston Stadium
BALDWIN CITY, Kan. – #22 MNU raced out to an early 14-0 lead but couldn't sustain the momentum on Saturday night, as Baker roared back with 34 unanswered points to hand the Pioneers a 34-14 loss in a key Heart South matchup at Liston Stadium.
MNU (5-2, 2-1) opened in dominant fashion behind quarterback Drew Miller, orchestrating back-to-back scoring drives that covered 80 and 82 yards. Devin Andrews punched in a two-yard touchdown to start the scoring, then added an eight-yard touchdown reception from Miller to double the lead midway through the first quarter.
Baker (4-3, 3-0), however, responded with a late first-quarter touchdown and seized control from there. The Wildcats tied the game at 14 midway through the second and took the lead just before halftime following a short field set up by an interception. The Baker quarterback proved to be the difference, accounting for five total touchdowns—three through the air and two on the ground.
After the break, Baker capitalized on three MNU turnovers, including a fumble and two interceptions, to extend the margin. A third-quarter sequence—an MNU fumble followed by a short-field touchdown—proved pivotal, as the Wildcats pushed their lead to 27-14 and never looked back.
"It's always tough to lose a game like that," said head coach Ivan Cordova. "I'm really proud of the way our guys fought. We have to go back and get some stuff fixed quickly because we have another good opponent coming into town this week."
Defensively, Lance Jones led the Pioneers with 12 total tackles, while Marcos Flores added 10 tackles, a sack, and two quarterback hurries. Jeremiah Smith and Flores each recorded sacks, and Elijah McFadden picked off a first-quarter pass to briefly swing momentum MNU's way.
The Wildcats held the ball for over 38 minutes and converted 10 of 16 third downs, keeping MNU's offense on the sideline for much of the second half.
Turning Point
Midway through the third quarter, with MNU trailing 21-14, an MNU fumble at midfield set up a short Baker touchdown drive that extended the deficit to 27-14 and effectively sealed the game.
Individual Leaders
Drew Miller: 12-for-28, 199 yards, 1 TD
Devin Andrews: 15 carries, 46 yards, 1 TD; 1 rec., 8 yards, 1 TD
Aiyo'n Carter: 4 receptions, 71 yards
Zane Hall: 6 receptions, 66 yards
Samuel Gonzalez: 1 reception, 45 yards
Luke Hardman: 2-for-2 XP; 5 punts, 41.8 avg
Lance Jones: 12 tackles, 1 TFL
Marcos Flores: 10 tackles, 1 sack, 2 QBH
Up Next
The next game is Saturday at home vs. #1 Grand View (6-0) at 1:00.
