Missouri Valley Storms Past McPherson, 47-10

The Vikings (1-0) needed three drives to find their rhythm on offense, but picked up steam after lightning was spotted in the area and the teams were sent to the locker rooms for just under an hour. The win also sets up a HAAC showdown with #3-ranked MidAmerica Nazarene next Saturday in Marshall. The Pioneers blanked Central Methodist in their opener, 24-0.

Both teams broke in new quarterbacks in their respective season openers, but it was Lorenzo Dennard of Missouri Valley who had the better of things on the evening. Though his completion numbers weren't off the charts at 11-for-30, he was victimized by a number of drops and did make a number of key throws in the first half as the Vikings built a 20-3 halftime advantage.

"We wanted to come out and get a win, just like any other game," said Dennard, who threw for 192 yards and a touchdown against two interceptions while also rushing for 17 yards. "My confidence stayed high and I never doubt my receivers."

Dennard had plenty of help from his running game as the Vikings churned out 272 yards on 39 carries. Nijel Daw led the way with 17 rushes for 101 yards and a TD while Keith O'Neal had 8 carries for 117 yards and two scores.

The Missouri Valley defense, which led the NAIA in rushing yards allowed last season, looked every bit as good in the season opener after limiting McPherson (0-1) to 62 yards on 32 carries while also holding a pair of McPherson quarterbacks to a combined 9-for-27 for 70 yards and 3 interceptions.

"We take pride in our defense and they have pride in themselves not giving up much," said head coach Paul Troth. "Our guys did a good job of preparing for this and for the first game, we've got some things to work on, but it's good to get a win."