After a disappointing finish to the 2025 season, the McPherson Bullpup football team has worked hard in the offseason in preparation for the 2026 season. With ten returning starters on defense and nine on offense, McPherson hopes to use their experience in a push for a deep playoff run this season.
The Bullpups went 5-4 last season, losing three of their last four games and twice to Augusta in that span. The Orioles beat McPherson 33-20 in the first round of the 4A playoffs in McPherson. Despite those setbacks late, the Bullpups are confident heading into this season. They return nearly all of their offensive production from a year ago, headlined by all-state wide receiver Ashton Malm. Malm had 1,134 yards and 13 touchdowns receiving last season and has over 1,900 yards and 23 touchdowns over his career. Getting his the ball was quarterback Carter Bengtson who threw for 1,900 yards and 17 touchdowns compared to just four interceptions. Bengtson completed 65% of his passes for the season. Dane Becker also returns after rushing for 732 yards and six touchdowns out of the backfield in 2025.
Malm, Bengtson and Becker are three senior players that 12th-year head coach Jace Pavlovich has seen a tremendous amount of leadership from leading into the 2026 season. “Those seniors, they’ve really been leading us since their sophomore year,” said Pavlovich. “Having an older group is definitely a luxury.”
The Bullpup defense is also expected to be talented and improved with ten players returning that have starting experience. Last year’s leading tackler Dylan Hall is back after putting up 65 tackles with four for loss and two sacks. Bo Barkley spent a lot of time in the opposing backfield in 2025, leading the team with eight tackles for loss and four sacks from his defensive end position. He was second on the team with 44 tackles. Nolan Pearcy (37 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 INT), Carter Leathers (35 tackles, 2 TFL) and Takoda Linn (35 tackles) all return as leaders on the defense as well.
The Bullpups have hit the field once in the jamboree last week at Newton against Newton and Salina South. Pavlovich liked what he saw from his team and the learning experience. He said: “There were plenty of mistakes made, but the really nice thing is, the next day we got in and we evaluated the tape. It’s a great group. They’re open to constructive criticism and accepted the coaching and we’ve had a great week of practice.”
The Bullpups will officially put their work to the test as they open the season tonight. They have a chance to get the bad taste out of their mouth from last year’s losses to Augusta immediately as they will host the Orioles in the season opener. Augusta made it to the quarterfinal round of the 4A playoffs before falling to Wamego. They are not as experienced as they have just three returning starters on offense and six on defense and will need to replace key players lost including their quarterback Brody Haskell who threw for over 2,200 yards and 18 TD and ran for over 700. Also gone is wide receiver Brecken Albert who had nearly 1,000 receiving yards in 2025. Augusta is still a talented group and will present a challenge for the Bullpups on opening night.
Fans can catch the game on 98.9/1540 KMCP on the radio and also on Ad Astra TV on the Ad Astra Radio app and our YouTube channel. Coverage is set to begin at 7:00 with kickoff at 7:30 from Brubaker Family Stadium in McPherson.
