McPHERSON, Kan. — Brysen Kerby scored three total touchdowns and had 187 scrimmage yards to help power the McPherson College Bulldogs to a 28-0 win over the Bethany College Swedes at Paul Family Field at McPherson Stadium.
The Bulldogs defense came up big, holding the Swedes to just 151 total yards, while picking up their first shutout since 2021, when they took down Bethany 62-0.
The first quarter was scoreless, with the Swedes failing on fourth down deep in McPherson territory, while a 31-yard field goal attempt by the Jimmy Mai was blocked.
But that changed in a big way early in the second quarter, when Kerby caught a pass from Tristan Szabo and took it 65-yards for a touchdown.
MC's next drive started in plus territory, thanks to a 13-yard punt return by Kamryn Brown, then Szabo found Dillion Coleman for 38-yards, taking it down to the 1-yard line. Kerby punched it in two plays later to put the Bulldogs on top 14-0.
The teams traded interceptions on the next three series. Zane Cornejo intercepted Landry Shields, but Zemonda Wilson picked off Szabo in the endzone for the touchback. Nehemiah Figueroa halted the Swedes next drive, returning the interception 65 yards for the score. The PAT was blocked, but Harley Blaske recovered the ball and took it in for the two-point conversion.
Neither team could do much in the third quarter, keeping the score at 22-0.
The Bulldogs had a promising drive early in the fourth quarter, but the drive stalled at the Swedes seven-yard line following an incomplete pass intended for Alex Hill. However, Josiah Jones joined in on the interception party, returning it to the one-yard line. Kerby again found paydirt on the very next play.
Kerby finished with a career-high 130 receiving yards on seven catches, and led the Bulldogs running game with 51 yards on the ground. Szabo finished with 225 yards passing and one score, while rushing for 38 yards on 15 carries.
Defensively, Marquis Willoughby had eight tackles, including six solo stops and a team-high two sacks. Lester Amos had one sack, while Cameron Fouts and Taikorean Phillips teamed up for a sack.
The Swedes used three quarterbacks, with Landry Shields leading the way with 71 passing yards. Peyton Mainolfi got the start and threw for 60 yards.
The Bulldogs are back in action next Saturday (Oct. 28) for Senior Day against KCAC newcomer Evangel. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
