Football | 9/22/2013 1:41:00 AM
Box Score
McPherson, Kan. – Conference play couldn't have started any better for the Bulldogs as they got out in front and stayed ahead of the Threshers of Bethel College. Mac moves to 2-1 for the year following their 51-31 victory.
MC scored on their first two possessions, one field goal and a touchdown, while holding Bethel to zero points and forcing one turnover in the opening quarter. Three three-and-outs brought the middle of the second quarter and the Threshers had tied things up. The 'Dogs answered the call as they scored the next three times they had the ball, jumping out to a 31-10 lead just minutes into the second half.
Bethel wouldn't go away as they put the ball into the end zone on back-to-back drives, pulling within a touchdown. An unbelievable 33-yard run by Scott Thibodeaux (Tonopah, Nev.), aided by his offensive line, brought Mac ahead by two scores. BC would score once more but two more field goals by Michael Phillips (Spring Branch, Texas) and a late 1-yard TD burst by Havelock Pomele (San Jose, Calif.) sealed things up for McPherson 51-31.
It was a yardage friendly game for both teams as 911 yards were gained by the two squads. MC accounted for 580 with 362 coming through the air from the hand of Jordan Hoffman (McCordsville, Ind.) A turnover-free 24-of-35 night with three touchdowns will make any quarterback smile and Hoffman was certainly doing plenty of that following the win.
Jon White (Aurora, Colo.) led all receivers with his six catches while Tremon Robinson (Dallas, Texas) pulled down five for 115 and two scores. Paul Rotering (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and Michael Ramos (Sachse, Texas) each tallied five receptions as well going for 100 and 62 yards, respectively; Rotering also added a touchdown to his name.
On the ground, Terrance Jones (Wichita, Kan.) carried the ball 26 times for 133 yards and a touchdown. Thibedeaux was next on the list with his 13 attempts for 88 yards. Pomele ended the contest with eight carries for 23.
Phillips went 3-of-3 for the night, kicking in field goals from 32, 38 and 39 yards.
The Bulldog D had a strong first half and fourth quarter totaling 10 tackles for a loss, four sacks and one interception which was snatched by D'Andre Sampson (San Diego, Calif.). Dominique Henderson (Wichita, Kan.) and Cole Long (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) each hit double-digits in tackles, Henderson claiming eight solo while Long had five. Chris Ellison (Red Oak, Texas) met the quarterback in the backfield three times and ended the night with eight total tackles.
Click here for a post game interview with Pete Sterbick.
The first road game of the season is next up for Mac as they head 30 minute north to Salina, Kansas on September 28th; the 'Dogs kickoff against Kansas Wesleyan at 6:00 p.m. (CT)
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