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Heart of America Athletic Conference
Pioneers, Vikings Square Off in Key Conference Clash
September 9, 2011

Pioneers, Vikings Square Off in Key Conference Clash

Defending HAAC champion MIdAmerica Nazarene takes its 16-game regular season winning streak on the road this Saturday for a showdown with 11th-ranked Missouri Valley in the HAAC Game of the Week at Volford Stadium.

The matchup: #3 MidAmerica Nazarene (1-0, 1-0) vs. #11 Missouri Valley (1-0, 0-0), Gregg-Mitchell Field at Volford Stadium, 6:00 p.m.

2010 meeting: MNU 37, MVC 7 (Nov. 6 in Olathe, Kan.)

Last week: MNU 24, Central Methodist 0; Missouri Valley 47, McPherson (Kan.) 10

About the Pioneers: When you're the defending conference champion and NAIA semifinalist, the target planted collectively on the backs of MNU players can either provide a source of focus or distraction. MNU looked focused in its season-opening win over Central Methodist last week, piling up 246 yards on the ground with a 6.3 average per carry. Sophomore RB Greg Gates was named the HAAC Offensive Player of the Week after rushing 17 times for 128 yards and two TDs. The one bit of concern that came out of the game was the status of QB Sean Ransburg, who sustained an injury early in the game and did not return. Junior Tyler Herl stepped in and completed 9-of-18 passes in his first action since the 2009 season. Who will start under center this week for the Pioneers is yet to be determined, but head coach Jonathan Quinn has a good problem on his hands with two capable signal callers. The MNU defense, which had to replace all-America Jake Duren from a unit that ranked 4th in total defense a year ago, yielded just 192 total yards and forced four turnovers. Brandon Smith set the tone with nine tackles and a pair of sacks.

About the Vikings: Following a nearly 60-minute weather delay last week, Missouri Valley shook off some early ring rust and dispatched of McPherson in impressive fashion. The Vikings racked up 486 total yards and broke in a new QB as Lorenzo Dennard tossed for 214 yards and a touchdown while running for another. The top rushing defense in the NAIA last season limited the Bulldogs to 132 total yards and tallying three interceptions in its season debut. Tyler Davis was named the HAAC Special Teams Player of the Week after returning a punt 54 yards for a score while also picking off a pair of passes in the game to go along with four tackles. The Vikings piled up 272 yards on the ground with a three-headed rushing monster in Keith O'Neal (117 yards, 2 TD), Nijel Daw (101 yards, TD) and Rahfee McClee (26 yards, TD). Dennard also spread the ball around well to his receivers while striking up a nice partnership with wideout Gary Taylor, who led the corps with four catches for 53 yards.

Extra Points: Missouri Valley leads the all-time series over MNU, 19-13-1 ... The Pioneers have won three-straight meetings in the series after the Vikings had run off four-consecutive victories ... MNU edged MVC, 24-23, the last time the two teams met in Marshall on a 47-yard field goal as time expired after trailing 27-12 with eight minutes remaining ... If Herl starts this week for the Pioneers, it will mark the 5th-different starting quarterback for MNU in as many years against the Vikings ... Missouri Valley has won 6-straight home games with its last defeat in Marshall coming against MNU.