Football | 9/11/2014 1:45:00 PM
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McPherson, Kan. – The challenge between the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference and the Heart of America Athletic Conference is this weekend and the Bulldogs are slated to take on the MidAmerica Nazarene University Pioneers. Kickoff will commence at 6:00 p.m. (CT) at the Olathe District Activities Center in Olathe, Kan.
MC is coming off a tough road loss in their opening game of 2014. The 'Dogs traveled to Muskogee, Oklahoma where they played Central States Football League opponent Bacone College. McPherson scored first on a 28-yard screen pass in the opening minutes of the first quarter. The Warriors scored themselves shortly thereafter and the two teams stayed tied through the rest of the opening half.
The third quarter was also scoreless but BC changed that a few minutes into the fourth with a field goal to put them ahead 10-7. A pooch kickoff ended in the hands of Bacone and although they didn't get in on that drive, the Warriors scored two more times before the game was finished including a pick-six in the final two minutes to seal the deal.
McPherson racked up 193 total yards with 75 coming on the ground; they had five total turnovers and forced just one from BC. The Warriors won the time of possession battle by nearly eight minutes.
Jordan Hoffman ended the night going 7-of-27 for 118 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions. His favorite target was Michael Ramos who had three receptions for 59 yards and the TD. Back from his 2013 injury, Terrance Jones got the majority of the carries, rushing for 44 yards on 20 carries.
Mac's defense allowed 421 yards, 251 rushing and 170 passing. They were led in tackling by Jimmy Wilson who was a thorn in Bacone's side all night as he totaled 13 tackles, 12 solo; three of his stops where for a loss. Ryan Duggan logged double-digit tackles as well with his 10 solo and one assisted. Sophomore standout Grant Narcisse tied Wilson in tackles for a loss and had five total stops on the night. Ben Kimbrough recovered the Warrior's lone fumble and returned it for 22 yards.
The 'Dogs will have their first KCAC game of the year on September 20th as they travel to Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas.
Scouting MidAmerica Nazarene
The Pioneers ended 2013 with a 5-5 record and were 5-4 in conference, putting them fifth in the HAAC. The team has a new coach in Brian Willmer who most recently coached at Azusa Pacific University in California where he was the defensive coordinator for the past eight years.
Last season, MNU placed five athletes on the HAAC's all-conference first team including the Co-Defensive Player of the Year. Seven Pioneers made the second team and one more was on the third team.
The offensive and defensive game plan for MidAmerica is unknown as they have brand new coaches and the matchup with McPherson is their first of 2014.
MNU hosts Graceland University for their second game of the year on September 20th.
