Football | 9/8/2010 2:14:19 PM
Game 2: McPherson at Friends University
Sept. 11, 2010 | Adair-Austin Stadium | Wichita, Kan. | 7:00 p.m.
**Special Note - McPherson parents and fans please use the North gate when entering Adair-Austin Stadium**
Game Notes (PDF)
Audio Stream
The Matchup
McPherson enters week two of its 2010 season coming off an impressive 45-0 win against Haskell Indian Nations University last Saturday. The Bulldogs hit the road for their first of nine KCAC games against No. 15 Friends University Saturday evening at Adiar-Austin Stadium in Wichita, Kan. Game time for the 69th meeting between the two schools is set for 7:00 p.m. Radio coverage will be provided by 96.7 FM KBBE McPherson and will also be streamed at www.macbulldogs.com.
The Bulldogs opened the season with a 45-0 thumping of Haskell Indian Nations, extending their win streak against the Indians to four games. McPherson showed positives on both sides of the ball and on special teams. The Bulldogs racked up a total of 407 yards of total offense, while the defense held HINU to just 144.
Junior wide receiver Joe Middleton had a career day with six catches for 107 yards and one touchdown, while senior running back Aaron Lafitte continued his consistent play from last season with 77 yards on 11 carries. All three quarterbacks saw action with senior Shane Mascarenas leading the way with 184 yards passing, while completing 16-of-24 passes.
Defensively, senior Will Powers and junior Thomas Stauts each recorded an interception. Freshman Malik McKenzie led the defense with four tackles, including three solo, two tackles for loss and one sack.
This week’s game marks the season opener for the Friends University Falcons. Looking past Friends, McPherson continues the toughest part of its schedule when they host No. 9 Ottawa University on Saturday, Sept. 18 at 7:00 p.m.
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.
Friends – Monty Lewis (Southwestern College) is in his seventh season with the Falcons. Lewis owns a career coaching record of 113-50, placing Lewis near the top in the NAIA in active wins and winning percentage. Lewis previously spent time at West Texas A&M, Southwestern College, University of Kentucky, Colorado State University, Mac-Murry College, Northeastern Oklahoma State University, Fort Hays State University and Southwestern College
The Series
This week’s meeting between McPherson and Friends marks the 69th contest between the two sides. The Falcons hold a 37-30-1 advantage in the series. In 2009, McPherson snapped a three-game winless streak against FU with a 60-38 win at McPherson Stadium. Prior to the streak, the Bulldogs had won the previous four meetings.
Scouting the Falcons
Friends returns 14 starters from a 2009 squad that went 8-2 and narrowly missed receiving a bid to the NAIA Football Championship Series. In their final game in 2009, the Falcons suffered a heartbreaking 49-42 defeat to eventual KCAC Champion Ottawa University. Despite the loss, the Falcons return one of the toughest sides the Bulldogs will face in 2010, led by All-KCAC first team wide receiver Mike Hyde and second teamer Doug Pierce.
Hyde, a 6-5 230-pound senior, ranked in the top 15 nationally in receiving yards per game (5th;111.0), receptions per game (8th;7.5), total receptions (12th; 75) and total receiving yards (13th;1,110). Pierce tallied 37 catches for 789 yards and 11 touchdowns a year ago to act as a dangerous secondary target for the Falcon offense.
Redshirt-sophomore Jaymie Bristow is slated at the Falcon starting quarterback. Bristow played in three game last season as a backup, completing 4-of-9 passes for 45 yards.
FU returns seven starters from a defense that ranked second in the NAIA in total defense per game (220.5) and rushing defense per game (50.8).
