The Basics
Score: MidAmerica Nazarene 45 – Missouri Valley 14
Record: MNU (7-3, 4-1), MVC (3-6, 0-5)
Location: Marshall, Mo. – Gregg-Mitchell Field
MARSHALL, Mo. – MNU dominated from start to finish on Saturday, rolling past Missouri Valley 45-14 to improve to 7-3 on the season and 4-1 in Heart South play.
The Pioneer offense fired on all cylinders, racking up 404 total yards while the defense suffocated the Vikings, allowing just one third-down conversion all afternoon. Quarterback Drew Miller threw three touchdown passes, and the MNU rushing attack piled up 254 yards behind a balanced effort from Aaron Johnson, Devin Andrews, and Donovan Grier.
MNU took control early and never looked back. Andrews opened the scoring midway through the first quarter with a 24-yard touchdown run, then Miller connected with Aiyo'n Carter for a 5-yard score to make it 14-0. A 27-yard Luke Hardman field goal and a highlight reel 17-yard touchdown pass to Samuel Gonzalez extended the lead to 24-0 by halftime.
Johnson blew the game open early in the third with a 55-yard scoring run, giving MNU a commanding 31-0 lead. After Missouri Valley finally got on the board with a 50-yard touchdown pass, the Pioneers answered immediately as Miller hit Zane Hall from three yards out. Grier added a 4-yard touchdown in the fourth to cap the scoring.
Miller finished 12-for-22 for 145 yards and three touchdowns, distributing the ball to six different receivers. Johnson led the ground attack with 137 yards on 15 carries, while Andrews added 73 yards and a score. Gonzalez caught four passes for 77 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, the Pioneers were relentless. Eli Saintjuste recorded 2 sacks, while Matthew Potucek intercepted a pass and returned it 21 yards to set up a score. Elijah McFadden added seven tackles and a pass breakup, and the MNU defense held MVC to just 1-of-10 on third down.
Turning Point
MNU set the tone with a 12-play, 82-yard opening drive capped by Devin Andrews' 24-yard touchdown run. The Pioneers never trailed from that point on.
Individual Leaders
Drew Miller: 12-for-22, 145 yards, 3 TD
Aaron Johnson: 15 carries, 137 yards, 1 TD
Devin Andrews: 14 carries, 73 yards, 1 TD
Donovan Grier: 9 carries, 40 yards, 1 TD
Samuel Gonzalez: 4 receptions, 77 yards, 1 TD
Aiyo'n Carter: 5 receptions, 38 yards, 1 TD
Zane Hall: 1 reception, 3 yards, 1 TD
Eli Saintjuste: 5 tackles, 2 sacks
Matthew Potucek: 5 tackles, 1 INT
Elijah McFadden: 7 tackles, 1 pass breakup
Up Next
MNU closes the regular season at on Saturday at #3 Benedictine (9-1) at 1:00. A victory would give MNU a share of the Heart South title.
