Football | 9/11/2011 12:10:00 AM
Box Score
Combined Box Score
McPherson, Kan. – Despite four touchdowns by senior running back Travon Jones (Fresno, Calif.), the No. 12 Bulldogs dropped a 43-34 decision to Bethany College on Saturday evening at McPherson Stadium. The loss snaps a three-game winning streak over the Swedes.
With the loss, McPherson slips to 0-2 overall and 0-1 in Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference, while Bethany improves to 2-0 overall and 1-0 in league action.
Jones highlighted a the McPherson offense with a career-high 169 rushing yards on 15 carries, including touchdowns of 38, 11 and 33 yards. Additionally, he caught one pass for six yards to score his fourth touchdown of the evening.
As a team, the Bulldogs tallied 422 yards of total offense, including a career-best 207 yards passing by junior quarterback Jake Snodgrass (Derby, Kan.), who finished the night 18-of-34 with two touchdowns and one interception.
Senior wide receiver Andy Skinner (Montezuma, Kan.) caught seven passes for 100 yards, including a 39-yard touchdown pass from Snodgrass.
Bethany was led by junior running back Junior Allen, who had 194 yards and three touchdowns. The Swedes also scored touchdowns on a pair of passes by junior quarterback Darby House passes and keeper.
The Swedes set the tone early with 16 straight points before Jones broke off his first scoring run of the day to cut the deficit to 16-7. He struck again on the Bulldogs next drive to make it a 16-14 advantage early in the second quarter.
Bethany answered the Bulldog rally with a 10-play 65 yard drive that ended with a House quarterback sneak to make it 23-14. MC kept the game close with a score on their next drive to make it a 23-21 ball game.
However, the Bethany offense proved too strong down the stretch as the Swedes maintained at least an eight-point advantage the rest of the way.
Senior linebacker J.L. Gomez (Prosper, Texas) and junior cornerback DaMarcus Trotter (Kansas City, Mo.) led the Bulldogs with 12 tackles apiece.
McPherson returns to the field next Saturday when they travel to Southwestern College. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. (CST) at Richard L. Jantz Stadium in Winfield, Kan.
