Leavenworth, Kan. – Playing at Leavenworth High School's football field, McPherson College was defeated by the close to home team University of Saint Mary Spires 41-3 on Saturday.
Saint Mary scored the game's first points on the opening drive. After another USM touchdown drive, the Bulldogs responded with a nine-play drive of their own that ended in a 32-yard field goal by Jake Weigel, putting the score at 13-3. Later in the second, McPherson again got deep into Spire territory but could not convert a fourth-down play, giving the ball back to Saint Mary. The 'Dogs headed into the locker room down 20-3.
The third quarter was not kind to either team's offense. McPherson had a tough time moving the ball, earning 25 yards through four series. USM scored once but had a fumble, two punts, and one drive cut short on downs. The score sat at 27-3 with one quarter to play.
The Spires rectified their stagnant offense in the final 15 minutes, scoring on both of their possessions. Mac improved their ball movement but were unable to put any more points on the board, losing 41-3.
In his first start at running back this season, freshman Jackson Goodmiller had a nice day running the ball for the Bulldogs; he ended the game with a team-high 80 yards on 16 carries. Ryan Lakso carried the ball 14 times for 51 yards with a long of 26. Fellow freshman Chris Linnin completed 4-of-13 passes for 22 yards and also had one interception in the game. Tyler Depperschmidt hauled in two passes for 14 yards.
Defensively, Michael Rabara continued his solid junior season with 14 total tackles, split evenly for solo and assisted; he also had one forced fumble. Greg Elvin racked up 12 stops with a team-high eight being by himself; the freshman linebacker logged one tackle for a loss. Caleb Ridgway tabbed the team's lone sack, taking the quarterback down for five yards.
It's back to McPherson for the Bulldogs next weekend as they take on Tabor College on Halloween, October 31st. Start time for the All Hallows' Eve contest is set for 1:00 p.m. (CT) – Be sure to come in costume for the game!
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McPherson College is a Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference member school and a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
