Sept. 6, 2008- Twelfth-ranked MidAmerica Nazarene scored 19 unanswered points in the second quarter on Saturday that led the Pioneers to a 26-16 victory over ninth-ranked Lindenwood in the season opener for both teams.

The big play of the game came late in the first quarter as Lindenwood appeared poised to score the first points of the contest. The Lions marched into the Pioneers’ red zone, but a fumble inside the 10 yard line kept the game scoreless.

MidAmerica Nazarene took advantage of the momentum swing to score touchdowns on each of its next three possessions and open up a 19-0 lead. Lindenwood had another red zone opportunity late in the half, but couldn’t get into the endzone. After a short Halley Ferrell field goal in the final seconds, the Lions trailed 19-3 at intermission.

In the third quarter, the Pioneers struck first to take a 26-3 lead midway through the period. Lindenwood’s offense put together two straight scoring drives after that. Ben Kisner found Rudy Fleming for a 10-yard touchdown pass towards the end of the third, and Dario Camacho ran another score in from 20 yards out early in the fourth. After the Camacho touchdown, Lindenwood went for two to try to make in a one possession ballgame, but the try was unsuccessful.

Lindenwood had two more opportunities to cut into the lead, but the Pioneers picked off two passes in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

MidAmerica Nazarene finished the game with 480 yards of total offense, compared to 328 yards for Lindenwood. The Lions threw for 263 yards, but only managed 68 on the ground. The Pioneers had two 100-yard rushers and finished with 239 yards on the ground, and another 241 through the air.

Lindenwood’s Kisner was 22-of-42 on the day for 263 yards. He had one touchdown and two interceptions. Nate Orlando was the leading rusher with 44 yards on nine carries. Fleming caught seven balls for 69 yards and Matt Bramow also caught seven passes for 59 yards.

For the Pioneers, Stinson Dean threw for 241 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. Pat Early had 121 yards rushing and two scores, while Kendall Addison had 111 yards and one touchdown. Brock Drumm was the leading receiver with 9 catches for 41 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively for the Lions, Seth Tutera had a team-high nine tackles. Jacob Glose, Denver Price and Darrell Thonrton all had interceptions. James Walker led MidAmerica Nazarene with eight tackles, including three for a loss.

Game Notes: Ben Kisner went over 5,000 career passing yards on the day. He now has 5,154 for his Lindenwood career … the Pioneers have now won nine straight home games … Lindenwood will have its home opener next Saturday at 6 p.m. against Avila.