Football | 9/10/2013 2:38:00 PM
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McPherson, Kan. – In a week where all KCAC schools play host to institutions from the Heart of America Athletic Conference, the Yellowjackets of Graceland make their way to McPherson Stadium for a showdown with the Bulldogs; kickoff commences at 7:00 p.m. (CT) on Sept. 14th.
After a tough overtime loss to Bacone College where the 'Dogs lost the ball five times, MC heads into Saturday's game following two weeks of rest and preparation.
The Bulldogs' home opener began better than anyone could have hoped for as they took the ball straight down the field on their opening possession taking a quick 7-0 lead, coming on the legs of freshman Gerald Hardridge. Later in the first, Jordan Hoffman found Paul Rotering for a 39-yard touchdown strike.
After nine-straight points scored by the Warriors, David Anderson recovered a ball in the end zone after a poor snap during a BC punt. Mac took a 21-9 lead into the locker room and the route looked imminent.
The third quarter was all Bacone however, as they scored 22 unanswered points to go ahead 31-21.
A Hoffman to Jon White connection for 36 yards brought Mac within three and a Michael Phillips 38-yard field goal tied the game with just under eight minutes left in regulation.
A stalemate for the final part of the game forced overtime. The 'Dogs won the toss but allowed a touchdown pass on Bacone's first play. The game came to an end following a Hoffman interception on fourth down, giving BC the 37-31 win.
Mac won the battle on the ground, posting 111 yards led by Havelock Pomele who totaled 90 on 12 carries. They struggled through the air as Hoffman ended the contest with 197 yards, including three picks and two touchdowns. Both Robinson and White logged five receptions.
The Bulldogs tallied three sacks on the day and didn't give up a single one. Micah Roehl led the team in tackles with 10, four solo. David Anderson was second on the list with eight and also tallied one interception and three pass breakups to go along with his fumble recovery.
McPherson's defense is currently ranked 10th in the NAIA in rushing yards allowed per game at 71. They also sit 14th in total sacks (3) and 15th in opposing third down conversion (23.5%). Anderson is 4th in the Nation in pass deflections (4) while Dominique Henderson ranks 15th in tackles for a loss (2.5)
Conference play starts up for McPherson following their bout with the Yellowjackets. Bethel College will travel to Mac for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff on September 21st.
Scouting Graceland
Graceland finished 2012 at 5-6 and was sixth in the HAAC, sitting behind five Nationally ranked teams. The Yellowjackets played their first game of this season last weekend when they hosted Mayville State of South Dakota. GU came out victorious, allowing just seven points to their opponent while scoring 27 themselves.
Against the Comets, Graceland put up 372 yards with 271 coming through the air. True freshman Jake Tipton tallied all but 26 of those yards, completing 14-of-26 and tossing three touchdowns. On the ground, Jospeh Canady led the way for GU as he picked up 69 yards on 19 carries. Mathis Thomas ran for 24 yards and also had 43 receiving, including a touchdown.
The Yellowjacket D allowed just over 200 yards including a mere 37 passing. The team had one interception, one sack and three tackles for a loss. Mayville State's lone touchdown came in the fourth quarter.
The offense's aerial attack is ranked 13th in the NAIA per game. They also sit 12th in third down conversion percentage at 50%. Wide out Raysean Brown is 10th in the Nation in receiving yards per game (120) and 12th in scoring per game (12 points)
After their defensive barrage on the Comets, GU is second in the country for pass defense per game (37 yards), third in scoring defense an outing (7.0 points), and seventh in total defense per contest (208). Linebacker Billy Wendt ranks fourth in the Nation in tackles per game at 14.
A home stand against Peru State will be the next game for Graceland following their meeting with McPherson.
