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Pioneers pound Spartans 34-10 [UPDATED]
Published 10:55am Tuesday, September 4, 2012 Updated 11:07am Tuesday, September 4, 2012The M State football team struggled to find the endzone for the second week in a row as the Northland Pioneers defeated the Spartans 34-10.
The Pioneers opened the scoring on their first possession with a three play, 67 yard drive concluding with a 42 yard touchdown pass by Edin Kovak.
Hayden Zenner started what would be a great day in the return game with a 56 yard kick return that put the Spartans on the Northland 31.
M State kicker Michells Algarate was able to cut the lead in half with a 36 yard field goal.
The Spartans looked to be on a roll as a squib kick placed the Pioneers on their 3 yard line.
M State was able to get the ball on the Pioneers 28 yard, but was stalled after a 39 yard field goal attempt was blocked.
Northland cashed in on their opportunity scoring on a 19 yard touchdown pass.
M State looked to rally in the second quarter as a Spartan defensive stand led to M State driving the ball to the Pioneer 10.
After a costly run for a loss, the Spartans field goal team entered the game and was once again blocked, but this time Northland took the block back for a touchdown putting the Spartans down 27-3 at halftime.
Northland would put another score on the board in the opening of the second half as Kovack threw a 25 yard touchdown pass.
M State would not give up as on an insueing kickoff, Zenner was able to return the ball 70 yards to the Northland nine. Two plays later, M State quarterback Jarod Mold was able to find receiver Wayne Davis for a eight yard touchdown pass.
Northland would close the door on the home team as another late score ended the Spartans momentum.
Zenner finished the day with 14 carries for 56 yards for the Spartans, while teammate Victor Lumley ran for 44 yards on nine carries.
The Spartans will look for their first win as they travel to Ely to take on Vermillion Community College at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
