The Basics
Score: MidAmerica Nazarene 38 – Culver-Stockton 31
Record: MNU (2-1, 0-0 Heart South), Culver-Stockton (1-2, 0-1 Heart North)
Location: Olathe, Kan. – Pioneer Stadium

OLATHE, Kan. – MNU piled up 301 rushing yards and survived a late Culver-Stockton push to earn a 38-31 victory on Saturday night at Pioneer Stadium.

The Wildcats struck first, but MNU answered with an eight-play, 75-yard drive capped by AJ Johnson's 1-yard touchdown run. Culver-Stockton went back in front 14-7 before Timothy Edwards provided an immediate response, taking the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown to tie the game.

MNU grabbed its first lead later in the first quarter with another 80-yard scoring drive. Culver-Stockton tied the game at 21 in the second, but Spensar Sieger connected with Isaiah Coppage for a 23-yard touchdown to put the Pioneers back in front. Luke Hardman's 22-yard field goal as time expired sent MNU to halftime with a 31-21 advantage.

Culver-Stockton cut the lead to 31-28 on its opening drive of the second half. After the teams traded empty possessions, MNU answered late in the third. Sieger found Tykie Andrews for a 35-yard touchdown to restore a two-score advantage at 38-28.

The Wildcats put together a 16-play, 77-yard drive early in the fourth, but the Pioneer defense stiffened at the goal line. DJ Hurst sacked Liam Thornton on third-and-goal from the 2, forcing Culver-Stockton to settle for a field goal and keeping MNU ahead 38-31.

Culver-Stockton had one final opportunity after MNU lost a fumble in Wildcat territory. The Pioneers' defense delivered again. Isaiah Woodyard and Hurst stopped Damian Blankenship for a 1-yard loss on 4th-and-1 at the Culver-Stockton 37 with 1:31 remaining, allowing MNU to run out the clock.

MNU finished with 442 yards of offense and averaged 6.7 yards per play. The Pioneers rushed for 301 yards on 43 attempts and converted 6-of-11 third downs. Culver-Stockton finished with 411 total yards.

Sherman Smith led the rushing attack with 117 yards on 11 carries, averaging 10.6 yards per attempt. Hunter Roddy added 72 yards and a touchdown on seven carries, Devin Andrews rushed for 63 yards and Sieger added 53. Sieger finished 13-for-23 for 141 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Coppage caught three passes for 45 yards and a touchdown, while Tykie Andrews' lone reception went for the 35-yard score.

"I'm really proud of our guys," said head coach Ivan Cordova. "That was a tough gritty win against a good football team. I'm happy with how our guys handled all the adversity, including lightning delays, and were able to focus on the game. I thought we ran the ball really well on offense, and did a great job putting the ball in the end zone. The defense made plays when we needed to, including a clutch 4th down stop. Overall, I think it was a good win. It's great to get back on track. We're looking forward to next preparing for next week."

Turning Point
With MNU leading 38-31 late in the fourth quarter, Culver-Stockton got the ball back after a Pioneer fumble and advanced to a fourth-and-1 at its own 37. Isaiah Woodyard and DJ Hurst stopped Damian Blankenship for a 1-yard loss with 1:31 remaining, giving the ball back to MNU and sealing the victory.

Individual Leaders
Spensar Sieger: 13-for-23, 141 yards, 2 TD; 10 carries, 53 yards
Sherman Smith: 11 carries, 117 yards
Hunter Roddy: 7 carries, 72 yards, 1 TD
Devin Andrews: 9 carries, 63 yards
AJ Johnson: 1 rushing TD
Isaiah Coppage: 3 receptions, 45 yards, 1 TD
Tykie Andrews: 1 reception, 35 yards, 1 TD
Zane Hall: 5 receptions, 34 yards
Timothy Edwards: 2 kickoff returns, 127 yards, 1 TD
Luke Hardman: 1-for-1 FG, 5-for-5 PAT, 8 points

Up Next
The next game is Saturday at Clarke at 1:00.