The #5 Pioneers survived an amazing double overtime game vs. #15 Baker on Saturday. Late field goal blocks and a gutsy 2-point converstion were the keys in the conference title clinching victory.

The Pioneers started poorly, fumbling their opening possession and allowing a quick touchdown shortly thereafter. MNU answered back to tie the game, and the rest of the game was the same way. No team took more than a 7-point lead, and special teams took a crucial role. Baker's All-American kicker Derek Doerfler nailed field goals from 47 and 54 yards in the first half, but MNU answered and the halftime score was 20-19 in favor of the Wildcats.

The second half was more of the same, with both teams making big plays and big stops. With the score tied at 34, the Pioneers had the ball with 2 minutes remaining in the game. Baker intercepted a pass and were instantly well within Doerfler's range. But a big holding penalty backed up the Wildcats enough to force a 57-yard FG attempt. The Pioneers blocked the kick, sending the game into overtime.

The Pioneers missed a field goal with their first possession, and again gave Baker an opportunity to win the game with a field goal. But the Pioneers came through again, blocking the kick and surviving for another overtime. The Wildcats scored a touchdown with their second overtime possession, but the Pioneers drove down and scored on a Kendall Addison touchdown run, bringing them within one. Coach Stugart elected to go for the 2-point conversion, and Stinson Dean's pass found Juan Redmon in the end zone, bringing the final score to 42-41, and sending the MNU faithful into a frenzy.

Dean was 26-39 with 309 yards and 3 touchdowns. Addison rushed for 89 yards and 2 touchdowns. And Redmon caught 7 passes for 84 yards and 1 touchdown.

The Pioneers are 9-0. The next game is Saturday, November 15 at Culver-Stockton at 1pm.