The Basics
Score: MNU 51 – Clarke 26
Record:Â MNU (3-0), Clarke (0-3)
Location: Dubuque, Iowa – Dalzell Field
DUBUQUE, Iowa – MNU erupted for 34 second-half points to blow past Clarke 51-26 on Saturday afternoon. The Pioneers improved to 3-0 behind a balanced offensive attack and opportunistic defense, turning a close halftime battle into a comfortable road victory.
MNU rolled up 510 yards of total offense - 243 on the ground and 267 through the air - while holding the Pride scoreless in the third quarter. Special teams also delivered a spark as Aiyo'n Carter returned the opening kickoff of the second half 90 yards for a touchdown, giving the Pioneers the lead for good.
"That was a great win over a tough team," said head coach Ivan Cordova. "Really proud of the way our guys competed for 60 mins. They battled the heat and a long bus ride, but never let it get in the way of the job we had to do. Happy to be going back to Olathe with a win."
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Turning Point
After Clarke went into halftime ahead 20-17, Carter's kickoff return swung the momentum immediately out of the break. From there, Devin Andrews and Aaron Johnson combined for five rushing touchdowns to put the game out of reach.
Individual Leaders
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Drew Miller:Â 20-for-34, 267 yards, 1 TD
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Devin Andrews:Â 14 carries, 133 yards, 2 TD
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Aaron Johnson:Â 9 carries, 66 yards, 3 TD
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Sherman Smith:Â 10 carries, 63 yards
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Zane Hall:Â 3 catches, 72 yards
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Aiyo'n Carter:Â 4 catches, 64 yards; 90-yard kickoff return TD
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Defense: Isaiah Woodyard – 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles; Jonathon Brown – 11 tackles
Up Next
The next game is Saturday at William Penn (3-0) at 6:00.
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