Football | 9/1/2010 2:25:26 PM
Game Notes (PDF)
Game 1: McPherson vs Haskell Indian Nations University
Sept. 4, 2010 | McPherson Stadium | McPherson, Kan. | 7:00 p.m.
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The Matchup
McPherson opens its 90th season of play on Saturday, Sept. 4, when the Bulldogs take on Haskell Indian Nations University in the 2010 season opener at McPherson Stadium. Game time for the 11th meeting between the two schools is set for 7:00 p.m. CST with radio coverage provided by KBBE 96.7 FM and a web feed provided by the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference in conjunction with Victory Sports Network.
The Bulldogs enter the season with the momentum from a strong 2009 season. McPherson set a school record with nine wins, including an impressive week two victory against a ranked Friends University team. Runner-up in the KCAC to Ottawa University, McPherson received its first berth into the NAIA Football Championship Series with a matchup against MidAmerica Nazarene in the first round. Despite leading after three quarters, the Bulldogs failed to keep the Pioneer offense down, losing 40-24.
With success come expectations. McPherson ranks 12th in the NAIA Preseason Coaches’ Top 25, its highest ranking since 2004 when they earned the No. 16 spot. Within the KCAC, the Bulldogs were selected to finish third behind Friends and Ottawa by both the coaches and media.
Haskell enters the season coming off a 3-7 2009 campaign. The Indians return all but one starter on offense and look to use that experience to their advantage in 2010.
The Series
McPherson has won seven of the last eight meetings between the two sides, including two victories of greater than 50 points. Last season, McPherson thumped Haskell to the tune of 61-6. The Bulldogs racked up 409 yards of total offense, including 229 yards passing. The Bulldogs rushed the ball 40 times for 180 yards in the victory. The last time Haskell defeated McPherson was in 2004, 18-0.
The Coaches
McPherson – Joe Bettasso (Missouri Southern State University ’05) is in his first season as the head coach of the McPherson football program. Prior to assuming his current duties, Bettasso spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach for the Bulldogs and one season as a defensive backs coach at his alma mater, Missouri Southern State University.
Haskell – Eric Brock (Fort Lewis College) is in his seventh season with the Haskell football program and owns a 22-59 record during his tenure. Prior to Haskell, Brock spent time at Fort Lewis College and University of New Mexico as a position coach and graduate assistant.
