The Basics
Score: MidAmerica Nazarene 27 – Nelson 6
Record: MNU (1-0), Nelson (0-1)
Location: Waxahachie, Texas – Lumpkins Stadium

WAXAHACHIE, Texas – MNU opened the 2026 season with 27 unanswered points to defeat Nelson 27-6 on Saturday at Lumpkins Stadium.

The Pioneers fell behind 6-0 in the first quarter but controlled the game from there, scoring twice in the second quarter and adding a touchdown in each of the final two periods. MNU finished with 320 yards of offense, converted 5-of-11 third downs and was a perfect 3-for-3 on fourth down. Defensively, the Pioneers held Nelson to 104 rushing yards, recorded two sacks and did not allow another point after the Lions' opening-quarter touchdown.

Nelson struck first when Judah Holtzclaw connected with Jermaine Jones for a 25-yard touchdown to make it 6-0 with 8:00 remaining in the first quarter. MNU responded with a 10-play, 64-yard drive early in the second. Hunter Roddy finished it with a 1-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 6.

The Pioneer defense then forced a three-and-out that lost 15 yards, giving the offense possession at its own 47. Seth Dazet took advantage immediately. After a 27-yard run moved MNU to the Nelson 28, Dazet found Zane Hall for a 28-yard touchdown on the next play. Luke Hardman's extra point gave MNU a 13-6 halftime lead.

MNU extended the lead on its opening possession of the second half. The Pioneers converted a fourth-and-1 during an eight-play, 63-yard drive, and Dazet capped it with a 22-yard touchdown pass to Desmon Williams to make it 20-6. The defense answered by stopping Nelson on fourth down at the MNU 44.

The Pioneers put the game away with another extended drive spanning the third and fourth quarters. Facing fourth-and-4 at the Nelson 30, Dazet found Isaiah Coppage for 20 yards to keep the drive alive. Three plays later, he connected with Tykie Andrews for an 11-yard touchdown and a 27-6 advantage.

Dazet finished 12-for-19 for 152 yards and three touchdowns while adding 44 yards rushing on five carries. Roddy rushed 15 times for 41 yards and a touchdown and also completed a 33-yard pass. Devin Andrews led MNU with 46 rushing yards, while Isaiah Coppage had three catches for a team-high 57 receiving yards. Hall caught two passes for 46 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, Daquan Smith led MNU with eight tackles. Isaiah Woodyard recorded six tackles, a sack and a forced fumble, while Terry Vester added three tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. Malachi Bouchard finished with four tackles, a tackle for loss and a pass breakup. Keandre Mattocks also blocked a field-goal attempt late in the first half.

"First, it's hard to win college football games, so I am happy to be heading home 1-0," said head coach Ivan Cordova. "Nelson is a good team, and this is a tough place to play. I'm really proud of the way our team handled the travel and the heat. I was also pleased with how we responded after falling behind early. We stayed composed, controlled the line of scrimmage, and played complementary football for four quarters. We were able to move the fall effectively in the air and on the ground, and I thought our defense set the tone after the first quarter by holding Nelson scoreless the rest of the way. We have a lot to clean up, and I think we will make great strides from game one to game two. Overall, I think this is a great way to start the year."

Turning Point
After tying the game at 6 in the second quarter, MNU's defense forced Nelson into a three-and-out that went backward 15 yards. The Pioneers took over at their own 47, and two plays later Seth Dazet followed a 27-yard run with a 28-yard touchdown pass to Zane Hall. MNU took a 13-6 lead and never looked back.

Individual Leaders
Seth Dazet: 12-for-19, 152 yards, 3 TD; 5 carries, 44 yards
Devin Andrews: 16 carries, 46 yards
Hunter Roddy: 15 carries, 41 yards, 1 TD; 2 receptions, 41 yards
Isaiah Coppage: 3 receptions, 57 yards
Zane Hall: 2 receptions, 46 yards, 1 TD
Desmon Williams: 3 receptions, 26 yards, 1 TD
Tykie Andrews: 1 reception, 11 yards, 1 TD
Daquan Smith: 8 tackles
Isaiah Woodyard: 6 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble
Darrius Paige: 5 tackles
Malachi Bouchard: 4 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 pass breakup
Terry Vester: 3 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble
Keandre Mattocks: 2 tackles, 1 blocked kick

Up Next
The next game is Saturday at Graceland at 6:00.