Last Season the Pioneers went 9-3 and made the NAIA Playoffs, falling to Bethel (TN) in the first round. Trying to win 10 games in the loaded HAAC (3 teams in the top-12) will be tasked to the new-look offense and re-tooled defense.

Offense

MNU graduated 2007 HAAC Offensive Player of the Year QB Matt Schneider and are looking to fill his shoes. Senior Darrius Blanson (Kansas City, MO) will compete with Stinson Dean (Blue Springs, MO) for the quarterback position in 2008. The Pioneers will have two choices in the backfield: seniors Pat Ealy (Loveland, CO) and Kendall Addison (West Wego, LA) both had big 2007 seasons and are poised to do the same in 2008. Ealy led the team in rushing last season (99.8 ypg) and had 16 touchdowns.  The Pioneers also graduated wideout James Perry, who was the 2006 HAAC Offensive Player of the Year and led the team in receiving last season. Sophomore Brock Drumm (Peidmont, OK) and junior Bryant Jestes (Ft. Collins, CO) will be favorite targets at wide receiver. Last season Jestes led the team with 17 yards per catch.  Newcomers Chris LaCount (Azusa, CA) and Juan Redman (St. Louis, MO) are Tight Ends who will figure prominently in the offensive attack this season. The Offensive Line of Taylor Stewart (Olathe, KS), Tyler Rodden (Olathe, KS), Nick Woodard (Overland Park, KS), and Mack Gouin (Ft. Myers, FL) will be in charge of protecting and creating lanes for the Pioneers.

Defense

Head Coach Jed Stugart will double as defensive coordinator this season. Last year's leading tackler, Chad Ammons (Fort Scott, KS), returns for MNU, along with standout seniors Mike Deavours (Loveland, CO) and Travis Huseman (Harrisonville, MO). The secondary will feature William Griffin (Kansas City, MO), Ed Hawkins (Kansas City, KS), Geoff White (St. Louis, MO), and Kevin Hlad (O'Fallon, IL).