Football | 10/1/2011 6:23:00 PM
Box Score
Box Score
McPherson, Kan. – Senior running back
Travon Jones (Fresno, Calif.) posted his third multi-touchdown performance and junior quarterback
Jake Snodgrass (Derby, Kan.) threw for a career-best 251 yards, but it was not enough as the McPherson College football team fell, 42-35, against Bethel College Saturday afternoon at McPherson Stadium.
With the loss, McPherson falls to 2-3 overall and 2-2 in conference play, while Bethel improves to 1-4 overall and 1-2 in KCAC action. The victory marks the first for Bethel since Nov. 14, 2009.
The Bulldogs outgained the Threshers 454-437, however Bethel dominated the time of possession 34:48 to 20:16. Additionally, BC reeled off 84 plays to McPherson’s 60.
Jones led the MC ground game with 107 yards rushing, including touchdown runs of 21 yards and four yards. Snodgrass finished the contest 16-of-28 for 251 yards and three touchdown passes, including an 81-yard pitch and catch to junior wide receiver
Julius Record (Detroit, Mich.) late in the first quarter.
Record led the offense with 83 yards receiving, while senior wide receiver
Andy Skinner (Montezuma, Kan.) led the team with four catches.
The Bulldogs showed a balanced attack with 203 yards rushing and 251 yards passing.
Following a punt and a turnover on downs by each team, McPherson drove the ball to near midfield on their second possession. However, a Bulldog fumble provided the Threshers a short field. BC took advantage of the turnover marching 49-yards on eight plays to take the 7-0 lead with 9:21 left in the opening quarter.
McPherson tied the score two possessions later when Snodgrass connected with senior wide receiver
Chase Ozbun (Rose Hill, Kan.) for his second touchdown reception of the season, 7-7.
The two sides traded scores, including Record’s 81-yard reception, to make in a 14-14 game early in the second quarter. McPherson took a 21-14 lead on Jones’ first of two scores at the 8:18 mark of the second quarter.
However, Bethel took advantage of a short kickoff as the Threshers drove 43-yards on 10 plays to tie the score 21-21 with 0:06 remaining in the half. The score sparked a 14-point swing for BC that provided the team a 35-21 lead with 9:21 remaining in the third.
After driving 71 yards on eight plays midway through the fourth quarter, McPherson fumbled the ball into the end zone for a Bethel touchback. MC’s defense held strong to force a Bethel punt. Following the change of possession, the Bulldogs proceeded to drive 69 yards on eight plays to cut the deficit to seven, 42-35. Despite the score, the Bethel ground game proved too strong as the Threshers ran out the clock on their next possession to earn the victory.
Defensively, sophomore defensive back
Phillip Wilson (Long Beach, Calif.) led the Bulldogs with 10 tackles, while senior linebacker
Darrick Johnson (Maricopa, Ariz.) had nine.
Freshman running back Marquis Sykes led Bethel with 60 yards rushing, while sophomore quarterback Levi Keffer completed 16-of-30 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns.
McPherson returns to action next Saturday when they travel to Azusa Pacific University. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. (CST).
