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McPherson, Kan. – Game number six on McPherson's schedule sends them to Wichita, Kansas where they will square off with Friends University with kickoff starting at 1:30 p.m. (CT) NOTE: Game will air of 1540 AM KNGL for McPherson County
The Bulldogs head into the contest still looking for their first win of the season. The team had a couple nice showings earlier in the year but then took a step backwards this past Saturday against Ottawa University as they struggled to put up points and make stops, losing 58-0.
The offense produced a few productive drives but they were cut short to turnovers or failure to convert on fourth down. Defensively, McPherson was missing standout linebacker Dalton Whitfield who was hampered by an injury and it was evident by their struggle to slow a beefy OU offense.
One of the bright spots for Bulldog football this season has been the play of safety Braden Bush. The sophomore is ranked first in the NAIA in total interceptions and interceptions per game with five and 1.0, respectively. Bush is currently third for McPherson in total tackles this year with 44; he had a career-high 15 in the contest against Ottawa. Leading Mac in tackles is Whitfield who has 54; he currently ranks 12th in the NAIA in tackles per game at 10.8.
Offensively, the Bulldogs are led by DeAvonte Doucet on the ground as he has 129 yards this year on 55 carries. Since taking the reins as starting quarterback for game two, Chris Linnin has thrown for a team-high 509 yards, going 43-of-95 for a 45% completion percentage. Michael Ramos leads the team in receptions with 15, going for 187 yards. Fellow senior Ste'fon Walker has 10 grabs for 159 yards.
McPherson has another road game next week as they travel to Leavenworth, Kansas to face the University of Saint Mary on their new field; start time is set for 1:30 p.m. (CT)
Scouting Friends
The Falcons are not having the stellar year they were predicted to according to the preseason polls; FU was picked first by the media and third by the coaches. The year started rough for Friends as they lost their first four games, three of which were on the road. The team's first win came against Southwestern College in the beginning of October. Last week, the Falcons traveled to Kansas Wesleyan and lost a 27-10 contest with the Coyotes.
Friends trailed 20-0 at the half as they struggled to break through the KWU defense; a 58-yard pick-six by the Coyotes didn't help. The Falcons were the only team to score in the third quarter, putting up all 10 of their points. A touchdown by Kansas Wesleyan in the opening minutes of the fourth made for the final points of the night.
FU was held to just 209 total yards of offense with 115 coming through the air and 94 on the ground. The team had two turnovers, one pick and one fumble. They were only able to convert on 5-of-18 third downs and 2-of-5 fourth down conversions. Jesse Rogers tabbed 59 rushing yards on 24 carries and also had six receptions for 47 yards; the running back was responsible for the team's lone touchdown. Dontaye Rivera was second on the team with his 40 yards on seven tries. Brett Darling led the aerial attack for the Falcons with his 13-of-31 completions for 115 yards. Aside from Rogers, Darling hit both Jace Glover and Sam Camp twice for a combined 49 yards.
The FU defense allowed 354 yards with 222 being passing yardage. They had two picks and only allowed 12 pass completions. Jacob Adelman led the Falcons in tackles with eight, five were by himself. JewMonte Lewis had seven stops and was followed by Josh Lewis who tabbed six. Mason Pauly pulled down the KWU quarterback twice and had three other solo tackles.
This season, Friends is averaging 255 yards a game with about an even split in passing and rushing. They have scored nine touchdowns on the year and average 13 points a night. Rogers has rushed for 416 yards and five touchdowns on 119 attempts, averaging 69.3 yards per game. Rivera has accrued 149 yards on 31 carries with a long of 46 yards. Darling leads the team in passing yardage with his 405; he is 36-of-84 with three picks and one TD on the year. Rogers also leads the team in receptions with 16. Glover has accumulated 238 yards on his 11 grabs for a 21.6 average.
The Falcon D is giving up 343 yards per game and has given up more than twice what they've scored. Josh Lewis leads the defense in tackles with his 43, 22 solo and 21 assisted; he has 5.5 tackles for a loss including 2.5 sacks. Pauly is next on the list but a ways down at 27; he has a team-high three sacks. Je. Lewis has 25 tackles this season and one interception.
Friends stays at home for their next bout as they host Tabor College on October 17th.
