The defense was the big story in today's game. It seemed as if both offenses couldn't get much momentum on any of their drives. We didn't see any points scored in the game until over 2 minutes left in the first quarter when #4 Jonathan White powered into the endzone for a 5-yard rushing touchdown. However, this drive was carried by an explosive pass by #20 Tristan Szabo that #17 Jaxon Douthit caught for a 57-yard completion. The touchdown run by White would put the bulldogs on top 6-0, which would be the only points in the first quarter.
However, this lead would not be held for long as Kansas Weslyn would march down the field in 8 plays to take the lead 7-6. A few possessions later, with McPherson's defense looking dominant, they forced a three and out, and with the result of a bad punt that only went 14 yards, the Bulldogs were in excellent field position as they would start at their own 45 yard-line. With this great field position, #4 Jonathan White turned on the jets with a 40-yard rush, barely caught from behind at the 5-yard line. It didn't take long for #13 Aidan Frieson to punch it in for a 5-yard rushing touchdown. With the score, McPherson retook the lead 12-7.
After the touchdown, the defense showed through for both teams. KWU forced a couple of turnovers, only for McPherson's defense to shut them down and force them to punt. We wouldn't see points go up on the scoreboard until early in the fourth quarter when Kansas Weslyn went seven plays for 32 yards for a touchdown making the score 14-12 KWU. They were given an excellent field position after an interception. However, McPherson looked far from out of it as their defense played exceptionally well. #38 Kaleb Hamblin intercepted KWU's Richard Lara, which gave the bulldogs late life with over 7 minutes left to go in the ball game. However, the offensive woes continued as the bulldogs only gained 16 yards on six plays and were forced to punt the ball away with 3:43 left in the game. The bulldog defense, which looked solid all day, couldn't hold KWU from stopping them and Kansas Weslyn ran out the clock while gaining three first downs in the process. Final score 14-12 Kansas Weslyn.
Today's key Offensive contributors for the bulldogs were #4 Jonathan White, who ran for 121 yards and a TD, and #17 Jaxon Douthit, who had only four receptions for 79 yards.
Today's Key defensive contributors for McPherson was #38 Kaleb Hamblin, and #10 Corey Chairs. #10 Cory Chairs had 11 total tackles and 2 tackle for loss. #38 Kaleb Hamblin had 2 sacks, a fumble recovery and an interception.
