Morningside quarterback Trent Solsma throws a pass against Benedictine during the first half of the NAIA Championship college football game, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
The Associated Press
DAYTONA, Fla. (AP) - Trent Solsma threw four touchdown passes, including an 16-yard scoring strike to Connor Niles with 1:29 to play, to help Morningside beat Benedictine 35-28 on Saturday night at Daytona Stadium for its first NAIA championship.
Solsma, the NAIA player of the year, was 19-of-36 passing for 292 yards with two interceptions. Niles, whose 25-yard TD catch gave the Mustangs a 34-28 win over Saint Francis in the semifinals, finished with seven receptions for 164 yards and three touchdowns. Arnijae Ponder had 134 yards rushing and a score on 30 carries for top-ranked Morningside (15-0).
Jacob Boyd broke up a pass by Solsma on fourth-and-14 to set up a 10-play, 62-yard drive capped by Frank Trent's 1-yard touchdown run and Shaefer Schuetz hit Alex Blake for the 2-point conversion to make it 28-all with 5:49 to play. The Mustangs went three-and-out on their next possession but the defense held on Benedictine's ensuing drive. Punter Jacob Young couldn't handle a low snap and Morningside's Alex Paulson covered a short punt at the 18. Three plays later, Solsma hit Niles for the winner.
Marquis Stewart had 27 carries for 168 yards and a score for No. 7 Benedictine (13-2).
Morningside wide receiver Connor Niles, right, celebrates his touchdown reception against Benedictine with wide receiver Reid Jurgensmeier (81) during the first half of the NAIA Championship college football game, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
The Associated Press
Morningside wide receiver Connor Niles (4) catches a touchdown pass against Benedictine during the first half of the NAIA Championship college football game, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
The Associated Press
Morningside running back Arnijae Ponder runs past Benedictine defensive back Matt McCullough (7) for a touchdown during the first half of the NAIA Championship college football game, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
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Morningside defensive back Xavier Spann, right, breaks up a pass intended for Benedictine receiver Aaron Jackson during the first half of the NAIA Championship college football game, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
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Morningside linebacker Joel Katzer, left, tackles Benedictine running back Charlie Nihart after short gain during the first half of the NAIA Championship college football game, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
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Benedictine quarterback Shaefer Schuetz (9) throws a pass as he is pressured by Morningside defensive lineman Alex Paulson, back left, during the first half of an NAIA Championship college football game, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
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Morningside running back Addison Ross (12) can't hang on to a pass as he is defended by Benedictine defensive back Tyler Tierney (22) during the first half of the NAIA Championship college football game, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
The Associated Press