The Basics
Score: MNU 17 – Benedictine 59
Record: MNU (5-3, 2-1), Benedictine (7-1, 3-0)
Location: Atchison, Kan. – Larry Wilcox Stadium

ATCHISON, Kan. – MNU fell 59-17 at #3 Benedictine on Saturday. The Ravens scored 42 unanswered points in the first half and built a 56-0 advantage before the Pioneers put together three scoring drives in the second half.

Benedictine struck early with a 63-yard touchdown pass just 2:39 into the contest. The Ravens added a 15-yard touchdown run and a 1-yard quarterback sneak to take a 21-0 lead after the first quarter. Two MNU interceptions helped Benedictine gain favorable field position, including one that set up a touchdown drive beginning at the MNU 4-yard line.

The Ravens continued their offensive surge in the second quarter, scoring on touchdown passes of 38 and 80 yards before adding a 3-yard rushing touchdown in the final minute of the half. Benedictine entered halftime leading 42-0.

The deficit grew to 56-0 in the third quarter as Benedictine scored on a 75-yard run on the first play from scrimmage and added another rushing touchdown with 9:22 remaining.

MNU responded by marching 74 yards in 11 plays. Sherman Smith finished the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, putting the Pioneers on the scoreboard with 2:56 left in the third quarter.

The MNU defense then created a scoring opportunity when Darrius Paige intercepted a pass and returned it 18 yards to the Benedictine 22-yard line. The Pioneers capitalized with a 40-yard field goal from Luke Hardman, cutting the deficit to 56-10.

In the fourth quarter, MNU assembled another sustained scoring drive, covering 59 yards in seven plays. Spensar Sieger connected with Zane Hall for a 17-yard touchdown pass with 8:10 remaining, and Hardman's extra point brought the score to 56-17.

Benedictine added a 35-yard field goal with 4:05 left to complete the scoring.

MNU finished with 269 yards of total offense, including 173 passing and 96 rushing. Benedictine totaled 481 yards, averaging 9.1 yards per play. The Pioneers held possession for 33:02 but committed four turnovers, while the Ravens turned the ball over once.

Turning Point
Benedictine seized control early by turning two first-quarter interceptions into touchdowns.

Individual Leaders
Spensar Sieger: 14-of-24 passing, 157 yards, 1 touchdown
DeVarie Hayles: 3 receptions, 55 yards
Zane Hall: 3 receptions, 44 yards, 1 touchdown
Sherman Smith: 8 carries, 23 yards, 1 touchdown
Luke Hardman: 40-yard field goal, 2 extra points
Darrius Paige: 8 tackles, 1 interception, 18-yard return
Malaki Bouchard: 6 tackles
Deon Burtin: 5 tackles
Matthew Potucek: 5 tackles
Jeremiah Smith: 4 tackles, 1 sack

Up Next
The next game is Senior Day on Saturday at home vs. Missouri Valley at 1:00.