The Basics
Score: MNU 37 – Nelson (Texas) 13
Record: MNU (1-0), Nelson (0-1)
Location: ODAC Stadium – Olathe, Kan.
OLATHE, Kan. – MNU opened the 2025 football season in emphatic fashion, using explosive plays on offense, a dominant defensive front, and a special teams dagger to rout Nelson (Texas) 37-13 on Thursday.
After trading early field goals, the Pioneers took control in the second quarter behind quarterback Drew Miller and his connection with receiver Samuel Gonzalez. Miller tossed three first-half touchdowns, including two to Gonzalez – from 18 and 31 yards – and another to Aiyo'n Carter. By halftime, MNU held a commanding 23-3 lead.
Nelson briefly closed the gap to 23-13 in the fourth quarter, but Carter answered immediately with the play of the night: a 100-yard kickoff return to the house just 14 seconds later. Running back Donovan Grier added a 3-yard score to cap the Pioneers' balanced offensive night, while the defense piled up five sacks and forced three interceptions to slam the door shut.
"I am really proud of the of the gritty team win tonight," said head coach Ivan Cordova after his first career victory. "Every unit did their part. It wasn't always easy, and give credit to Nelson. They played hard all night. It was good to see our players fight for 60 minutes. I know players and coaches worked really hard to achieve this victory. It's hard to win college football games, and I am happy we are leaving this game 1 and 0."
MNU outgained Nelson 411-318, converted 9-of-15 third downs, and held the ball for over 32 minutes. Gonzalez was nearly unstoppable, finishing with 155 receiving yards and two touchdowns, while Carter added 64 receiving yards, a touchdown, and the game-changing return.
Turning Point
Carter's 100-yard kickoff return in the fourth quarter, coming right after Nelson trimmed the deficit to 10, swung momentum back permanently to the Pioneers.
Individual Leaders
-
Drew Miller: 16-33, 290 yards, 3 TD
-
Samuel Gonzalez: 6 receptions, 155 yards, 2 TD
-
Aiyo'n Carter: 4 receptions, 64 yards, 1 TD; 100-yd kickoff return TD
-
Devin Andrews: 14 carries, 72 yards
-
Donovan Grier: 7 carries, 36 yards, 1 TD
-
Defense: 5 sacks, 2 interceptions (Matthew Potucek, Madison Thomas)
Up Next
The next game is Saturday at home (ODAC) vs. Culver-Stockton at 6:00.
