McPherson, Kan. – Over 750 yards of offense was produced on Saturday between McPherson College and Ottawa University. The Bulldogs were only able to claim 166 of that yardage, however, as OU cranked out nearly 600 total yards with 286 coming on the ground. Following the 60-minute contest, the Braves took the game 58-0.
"For my first homecoming experience here, from the Hall of Fame brunch to the alumni support, this really reaffirmed that my family and I chose the right town and community," said Coach Mierkiewicz. "That's a really good football team, they have some men up front and when you can't control the line, it makes for a long day."
The MC defense had no answer for the Ottawa offense as the Braves created points on nine of their 12 possession including five-straight touchdown drives to start the game. After a final TD at the end of the second, OU headed into the halftime break up 41-0. McPherson had less than 50 yards in the opening half as they struggled to push past a beefy Ottawa defense.
There was less scoring in the second half as MC allowed just three points in the third and 14 in the fourth. The Bulldogs held a good amount of possession in the final 30 minutes but a couple lengthy drives were cut short by turnovers. After a long, hard contest, McPherson had to walk off the homecoming field with a 58-0 loss.
Running back Ryan Lakso had a good fourth quarter for the Bulldogs, tallying 41 yards rushing on eight carries; the freshman was responsible for over two-thirds of Mac's rush yardage. Chris Linnin went 8-of-22 passing the ball for 125 yards and a pair of interceptions. Michael Ramos pulled in four passes for 62 yards including a beautiful diving catch in the second half. Justin Fagan was second on the team in receptions and yards with his two for 35.
Braden Bush continued his solid 2015 season with 15 tackles, 11 coming in the first half; the sophomore had eight solo and seven assisted stops. Michael Rabara wrapped up 12 total Brave players, two solo and 10 assisted. Also hitting double-digits in tackles was Greg Elvin who had 10 including one for a loss. Dominic DeLuca and Chauncey Charles each recorded a sack for MC.
McPherson is on the road for their next two matchups. The two-game road trip starts in Wichita, Kansas with a 1:30 p.m. (CT) contest against Friends University on October 17th.
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McPherson College is a Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference member school and a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
