The Basics
Score: MNU 47 – Culver-Stockton 28
Record: MNU (2-0), C-SCÂ (1-1)
Location: ODAC – Olathe, Kan.
OLATHE, Kan. – The #15 Pioneers turned in a complete performance Saturday night, rolling up 500 yards of offense and dominating time of possession to take down Culver-Stockton 47-28 at ODAC.
The Pioneers stormed to a 17-0 first-quarter lead. QB Drew Miller found Aiyo'n Carter for a 24-yard touchdown on the opening drive, and after a Culver-Stockton turnover, Luke Hardman drilled a 37-yard field goal. Sherman Smith plunged in from a yard out to cap the quarter.
After Culver-Stockton closed the gap to 24-14 in the second quarter, MNU's defense and kicking game took charge. Hardman connected on four field goals in the game, while Elijah McFadden grabbed a key interception to stall the Wildcats' momentum. Carter later added a second touchdown grab, and Devin Andrews sealed the night with an 11-yard score in the fourth.
MNU held the ball for over 41 minutes, rushed for 212 yards, and converted 7-of-14 third downs. Miller finished 21-of-31 for 288 yards and two touchdowns, while Carter hauled in eight catches for 131 yards and both scores. Smith (93 yards, TD) and Andrews (86 yards, TD) powered the ground game.
"That was great team win," said head coach Ivan Cordova. "I thought we started the game great and jumped out to an early lead. Credit to Culver-Stockton for fighting their way back. They're a good team and they play really hard. I am really proud of the way our guys finished the game and earned a tough victory."
Turning Point
Hardman's back-to-back third-quarter field goals stretched a narrow 27-21 lead into a two-score cushion, keeping momentum with MNU.
Individual Leaders
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Drew Miller: 21-31, 288 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT; 19 rushing yards, 1 TD
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Aiyo'n Carter: 8 receptions, 131 yards, 2 TD
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Sherman Smith: 16 carries, 93 yards, 1 TD
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Devin Andrews: 20 carries, 86 yards, 1 TD; 85 punt return yards
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Defense: Elijah McFadden INT; Matthew Potucek sack
Up Next
The next game is Saturday at Clarke (0-2) at 1:00.
