The Basics
Score: MNU 41 – Missouri Baptist 39
Record: MNU (4-1, 1-0), MBU (1-3, 0-1)
Location: Olathe, Kan. – ODAC
OLATHE, Kan. – #23 MNU survived a wild fourth quarter on Saturday, edging Missouri Baptist 41-39 in a thriller at ODAC. The Pioneers built a 24-10 halftime lead and withstood multiple Spartan rallies, leaning on explosive plays from their offense and special teams to secure their fourth win of the season.
MNU scored 3 points in the 1st quarter, and the Spartans took a 7-3 lead halfway through the 2nd. On the ensuing kickoff, Devin Andrews returned it 84 yards to the end zone to get the lead right back. After a Jeremiah Smith interception, Drew Miller connected with Samuel Gonzalez for a 50-yard touchdown for a 24-7 lead. The Spartans ended the half with a 40-yard field goal to make it 24-10 at the break.
In the 3rd, MBU went 71 yards in 8 plays to close the gap. On the ensuing drive, MNU was stopped at the goal line, and the Spartans responded with a 3-play 97-yard touchdown drive to tie the game at 24. Early in the 4th, Luke Hardman's 27-yard field goal broke the tie, and after the teams traded a few punts, Drew Miller's pass to the end zone was deflected into the diving arms of Zane Hall to give MNU a 10-point lead.
MBU needed to score quickly to have a chance, and they used a 63-yard strike to do just that. The Pioneers responded with a 3-play 80-yard drive to go back up by 9 with just over 2 minutes left. The Spartans went 75 yards in 1:09 to get within 2, but the Pioneers iced it with a 1st down to survive 41-39.
"Great team win," said head coach Ivan Cordova. "Our guys found a way to overcome a lot of adversity. Our assistants did a great job leading these men, and our players found a way to win. Really proud of them. Now we are looking forward to homecoming and having a great performance in front of our alumni."
Drew Miller threw for 369 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Samuel Gonzalez and Zane Hall for scores, while Devin Andrews sparked the team with 99 rushing yards, a 10-yard touchdown run, and an 84-yard kickoff return for a score. The MNU defense added five sacks and an interception to help slow down Missouri Baptist's late push.
Turning Point
MNU's deflection touchdown gave them a 10-point lead in the 4th.
Individual Leaders
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Drew Miller: 22-for-36, 369 yards, 2 TD
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Samuel Gonzalez: 8 catches, 148 yards, 1 TD
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Zane Hall: 7 catches, 119 yards, 1 TD
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Aiyo'n Carter: 5 catches, 81 yards
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Devin Andrews: 20 carries, 99 yards, 1 TD; 2 kickoff returns, 103 yards, 1 TD
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Aaron Johnson: 6-yard rushing TD
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Luke Hardman: 2-for-3 FG (long 27), 5-for-5 XP, 11 total points
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Jonathon Brown: 9 tackles, 2 sacks, 3.5 TFL
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Jeremiah Smith: 6 tackles, 1 INT
Up Next
The next game is Homecoming at the new Copeland Athletic Complex vs. Central Methodist (1-3) on Saturday at 1:00.
