Big 2nd Half Lifts Bulldogs Past Ottawa

Photo by Junior Silva

McPherson, Kan. – The McPherson College football team made it two wins in a row, defeating Ottawa University Saturday night 33-14 at Paul Family Field.

There wasn't much positive in the first 30 minutes of action. The Bulldogs and Braves combined for 13 drives that resulted in 0 points, nine punts, a blocked field goal attempt, a turnover on downs after a failed fake punt, and an interception. On the seven drives by the Bulldog offense, they moved the ball well at times but couldn't close the deal. Six of their drives resulted in punts, and the other they had a 32 yard field goal attempt blocked. The good news was the Bulldog defense was locked in, and the Braves were unable to do much with their offensive opportunities.

At halftime, the Blake Reed Memorial Scholarship was presented to senior defensive back Cameron Jones. Jones received the award from Bulldog linebacker Kollin Goering, the 2020 recipient. After the break, the Bulldogs looked like a different team offensively. After the defense forced another Braves' three and out, the offense marched down the field, going 50 yards on 9 plays resulting in a nine yard TD pass by Tristan Szabo, the first of his career, to Joe Smyth.

The Bulldog defense forced another three and out on the next Ottawa drive, and after a 34 yard punt return by All-American Melvin Reid, the Bulldogs had excellent field position at the Braves' 29 yard line. Szabo wasted no time, firing a 29 yard touchdown pass to Brandt Johnson. This time the point after attempt by Cole Schroeder missed wide left and the Bulldogs led 13-0.

Ottawa responded on their next possession, finally getting on the board on a 54 yard touchdown run by James Reeder. Both teams punted on their final drive of the 3^rd quarter leaving the score 13-7 heading into the final 15 minutes of play. On the their opening drive of the 4^th, the Bulldogs went 50 yards in six plays culminating in a two yard touchdown run by Jonathan White, putting the Bulldogs up two scores, 20-7.

Ottawa came back with a 14 play, 60 yard drive that was aided by 52 yards of penalties by the Bulldogs that resulted in a five yard touchdown run, cutting the Bulldog lead to 20-14. With 6:47 left in the game, and the Bulldogs leading by just one score, White went to work and took over the game. On the Bulldogs' final two drives, White rushed for 50 yards, and scored two touchdowns, giving him three for the game, and putting his team up 33-14.

As a team, the Bulldog offense racked up 337 yards of total offense, 184 through the air, and 153 on the ground. Defensively they held the Braves to 221 yards, had 8 sacks, and one interception. The one negative on the night were the penalties for the Bulldogs. In all, they committed 13 penalties resulting in 145 yards for the Braves.

Individually, White would finish as the Bulldogs' leading rusher with 80 yards on 14 carries with 3 touchdowns. He was also Szabo's favorite target catching five passes for 52 yards. Szabo would finish the game completing 19 of his 27 throws for 184 yards and two TDs and rushing five times for nine yards. On special teams, Reid and J'Kobi Reddick both returned two punts, Reid for 40 yards, and Reddick for 27.

On the defensive side of the ball, Kollin Goering led the Bulldogs in tackles with 10, five solo tackles, and two tackles for a loss. Drew Labertew had a spectacular night getting after the quarterback. He was credited with 1.5 sacks, had 2.5 tackles for a loss, and intercepted the Braves' quarterback in the first half.

Coach Fiscus commented on the win saying, "So very proud of every coach and player in the program for overcoming adversity.  One of the marks of a great program is next man up mentality, Coach and player alike. No one man is any more important than the next in this program. We have some things to clean up. Need to fix the discipline on penalties but so very happy and proud of everyone in the program. Great second half. Great effort. Great team win."
 
With back to back wins, the Bulldogs are now 2-1 on the season. They have their bye week next week, but return to the turf on October 2 for a homecoming matchup with the Southwestern College Moundbuilders at Paul Family field. Kickoff on the 2^nd is slated for 1:00 pm.