Lindsborg, Kan. – It was a solid first half for the McPherson College football team as they took a 21-17 lead into the locker room at halftime but unfortunately they couldn't hold their advantage, losing 48-21 to Bethany College on Saturday.
The day started well for McPherson as they took the opening kickoff and put together a nine-play drive; the possession stalled and they had to punt but it was a good start for the 'Dogs. Following their next possession, Mac's Braden Bush intercepted his sixth pass of the year and took it back 57 yards for the game's first points; he now leads the KCAC in picks with six. That touchdown started a string of seven-straight scoring drives for the two teams.
Bethany tied up the game at 7-7 in the opening minutes of the second quarter. MC then saw quarterback Chris Linnin scramble for a 74-yard touchdown, giving the 'Dogs the lead again. The Swedes took their next possession 81 yards for a score, evening the game at 14-14. McPherson responded with a 12-play 58-yard drive that ended with a DeAvonte Doucet touchdown run on third and goal. To close out the half, BC drove 38 yards for a field goal, putting the halftime score at 21-17.
The Swedes crept closer with another field goal to start the second half. A negative drive for Mac gave the ball back to Bethany who took it to the house on a 51-yard reverse. The Bulldogs punted on their next two possession and BC scored touchdowns on theirs, putting the score at 41-21 heading into the fourth.
To start the final quarter, MC took the ball down to the 12-yard line but turned it over on downs. The Swedes then went 88 yards on 11 plays for the game's final points; the drive spanned nearly six minutes. Mac was again driving into Bethany territory but an interception ended the possession. A few runs by BC ended the game at 48-21.
McPherson racked up a season-high 321 yards with 187 coming on the ground. Linnin ran for 104 on seven carries. Jackson Goodmiller ended the game with 57 yards on 15 attempts while Doucet rushed for 26 on 12 tries. Linnin went 10-of-29 throwing the ball for 134 yards and a long of 29. Senior Michael Ramos ended his career with a team-high five receptions for 86 yards. Ste'fon Walker, also a senior, caught three balls for 27 yards.
On the defense, the 'Dogs only allowed 17 yards passing to the Swedes; unfortunately, BC totaled 517 on the ground. Dalton Whitfield put up monster numbers with his 16 total stops including 11 solo tackles. Michael Rabara was next on the list with 12 total tackles with 10 coming by himself. Linebacker Greg Elvin posted nine stops including two for a loss. Bush ended the day with seven total tackles and the pick-six.
The 2015 campaign is over for McPherson football. The team graduates seven seniors and will have the bulk of their young team back for next season.
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McPherson College is a Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference member school and a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
