The Basics
Score: MNU 31 – Missouri Baptist 17
Record: MNU (5-2, 2-0), Missouri Baptist (2-3, 0-1)
Location: Olathe, Kan. – Pioneer Stadium

OLATHE, Kan. – MNU built a 17-point first-half lead and answered a Missouri Baptist comeback with a decisive fourth-quarter touchdown to earn a 31-17 victory on Saturday on homecoming. The Pioneers improved to 5-2 overall and 2-0 in the Heart South.

Quarterback Seth Dazet threw for 302 yards and three touchdowns, connecting with Zane Hall twice and Isaiah Coppage once. Devin Andrews added 109 rushing yards and a touchdown as MNU finished with 452 yards of total offense.

MNU wasted little time taking control. The Pioneers marched 75 yards on their opening possession, capped by a 24-yard touchdown pass from Dazet to Hall for a 7-0 lead. The defense then helped create separation early in the second quarter. An interception set up Andrews' 1-yard touchdown run, and a subsequent fumble recovery led to a 48-yard field goal by Luke Hardman that extended the lead to 17-0.

Missouri Baptist got on the board midway through the second quarter, but MNU answered with an 87-yard touchdown drive. Dazet found Coppage for a 31-yard score to restore a 17-point advantage. The Spartans scored again before halftime, trimming the Pioneer lead to 24-14.

Missouri Baptist opened the second half with a lengthy possession that ended in a field goal, cutting the margin to 24-17. The Pioneers responded defensively and kept the Spartans off the scoreboard for the remainder of the afternoon.

With the game still separated by one possession in the fourth quarter, MNU delivered the decisive drive. Starting at its own 13-yard line, the offense moved 87 yards in 13 plays and consumed 6:24 before Dazet connected with Hall for an 11-yard touchdown with 6:52 remaining. Hardman's extra point made it 31-17, and the Pioneer defense preserved the two-touchdown victory.

Coppage led MNU's receivers with six catches for 109 yards and a touchdown, while Hall finished with five receptions for 62 yards and two scores. The defense forced three turnovers, including interceptions by Carson Alfonsi and Deon Burtin and a fumble recovery by Matthew Potucek.

"We are really excited to get this win for the fans," said head coach Ivan Cordova. "We had a great turnout and I think this is a passionate fan base who deserved a great win. I was happy we were able to give that to them. It's hard to win games in this conference so anytime that you can get a win you have to enjoy it."

Turning Point
Leading 24-17 entering the fourth quarter, MNU put together a 13-play, 87-yard touchdown drive that drained more than six minutes off the clock. Dazet's 11-yard scoring pass to Hall restored a two-possession lead and gave the Pioneers the separation they needed.

Individual Leaders
Seth Dazet: 23-of-37 passing, 302 yards, 3 touchdowns
Devin Andrews: 16 carries, 109 yards, 1 touchdown
Isaiah Coppage: 6 receptions, 109 yards, 1 touchdown
Zane Hall: 5 receptions, 62 yards, 2 touchdowns
Luke Hardman: 48-yard field goal, 4-for-4 PATs
Carson Alfonsi: 4 tackles, 1 interception
Deon Burtin: 3 tackles, 1 interception
Matthew Potucek: 5 tackles, 1 fumble recovery

Up Next
The next game is Saturday at #3 Benedictine at 1:00.