Football | 9/25/2013 11:49:00 AM
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McPherson, Kan. – After a high scoring affair with the Bethel Threshers last weekend, Bulldog football looks to continue its win-streak on the road as they travel to Salina, Kansas for a 6:00 p.m. (CT) showdown with Kansas Wesleyan University at Salina Stadium.
Against Bethel, MC jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the opening quarter but the Threshers fought back to tie things up. Back-to-back touchdowns by the Bulldogs closed out the half, giving Mac a 24-10 advantage as they headed into the locker room.
The teams traded scores to kick off the second half and two more touchdowns by BC brought them within seven points late in the third. A touchdown apiece moved the score to 38-31. Two field goals by Mac kicker Mike Phillips and a one-yard TD punch by the wrecking ball that is Havelock Pomele closed out the game's scoring with the Bulldogs on top 51-31.
911 total yards were gained throughout the offense heavy competition. MC put up 580 yards including 362 coming through the air. Quarterback Jordan Hoffman accounted for all of the passing yardage while having a turnover-free 24-of-35 night with three touchdowns.
Jon White led all receivers with his six catches while Tremon Robinson pulled down five for 115 and two scores. Paul Rotering and Michael Ramos 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 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 was perfect for the night, making all six extra points and going 3-of-3 in field goals coming from 32, 38 and 39 yards. Following his performance against Bethe, Phillips was named the NAIA National Special Teams Player of the Week.
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. Dominique Henderson and Cole Long each hit double-digits in tackles, Henderson claiming eight solo while Long had five. Chris Ellison met the quarterback in the backfield three times and ended the night with eight total tackles.
The 'Dogs are back home for the first weekend in October which is also homecoming for McPherson College. The first day game of the season will be against No. 12 Ottawa University with kickoff commencing at 1:30 p.m.
Scouting Kansas Wesleyan
KWU lost their opening game of the year to Hastings and then surprised everyone with a huge victory against Evangel University during the KCAC-HAAC series. The 1-2 Coyotes are coming off a difficult 14-24 loss to Southwestern College.
The 'Yotes had the lead heading into halftime of their contest with the Builders but gave up two touchdowns in the third and couldn't punch one in themselves for the final two quarters; KWU went the game's last 43:39 without scoring. Kansas Wesleyan had a hard time holding on to the ball as quarterback Trey Dallas threw four interceptions in the loss, giving SWC a huge 84-56 advantage in offensive plays.
The Coyotes netted 199 passing yards and 124 on the ground with Taylor Sachs garnering 75 of the rushing yards on 17 attempts. Dallas was 10-of-27 and also tallied a touchdown. Two KWU receivers neared the century mark as Zach McClain and Joe Vela ended the contest with 98 and 80 yards, respectively; McClain also had a TD.
On the other side of the line, Kenny Diaz had a team-high 15 tackles, 11 of which were unassisted, he also forced two fumbles. Middle linebacker Brady Harwell was next on the list with his 14 tackles. As a team, the Coyotes recovered one fumble but were unable to force any more turnovers.
This season KWU is averaging 438.7 yards per game of total offense which ranks atop the KCAC and is 23rd in the Nation. They are close to putting up 250 yards passing each time they hit the field and rack up nearly 200 on the ground, placing them third and fifth in the conference, respectively. The 'Yotes are 15th in the NAIA in third down conversation rate at 46.9%. The offensive line is holding steady as they have only allowed one sack this season.
On D, Kansas Wesleyan is giving up a KCAC ninth ranked 482.3 yards a contest including a staggering 258.3 on the ground, eighth in the league. The defense is allowing 30 points per game and is dead last in the conference in turnover margin at -4.
KWU will have their third home game of the season following the battle with McPherson; the Coyotes will host Friends University on October 5th.
