Ottawa, Kansas – McPherson College Football remained undefeated on the season Saturday afternoon, as the Bulldogs’ defense came up with several key plays to secure a 14-10 victory over Ottawa University at AdventHealth Field.
The Basics
Location: AdventHealth Field
Records: MC 5-0, OU 3-2
Score: MC 14, OU 10
How it Happened
The Bulldogs’ defense set the tone from the opening possession, as Tradarrious Coleman intercepted Ottawa quarterback Elijah Ribaudo on the Braves’ third play of the game. Ottawa would threaten again on its next possession, but Jaylan Davis came up with another interception at the McPherson 11-yard line to keep the Braves off the scoreboard.
After a scoreless first quarter, McPherson finally broke through midway through the second quarter. Jalil Brown capped a 77-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run, giving the Bulldogs a 7-0 lead heading into halftime.
McPherson extended its lead in the third quarter when Ryan Markarian connected with Payton Payne for a three-yard touchdown, putting the Bulldogs ahead 14-0.
Ottawa answered with a 78-yard touchdown drive to cut the deficit to 14-7, and the Braves added a 30-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter to make it a 14-10 game.
With the game hanging in the balance late in the fourth quarter, the McPherson defense delivered one final stand. Ottawa marched 49 yards on their final possession and reached the McPherson one-yard line. On 4th and Goal from the two-yard line, the Bulldogs stuffed a run up the middle as Lester Amos made the game-saving tackle to seal the victory and preserve the 14-10 win.
Defensively, Jaylan Davis led McPherson with 11 total tackles and an interception, while Nate Campbell recorded 10 tackles and an interception. Kevin Hasley added five tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, while Joshua Ferguson, Kirby Lewis and Chase Thompson each recorded a tackle for loss.
McPherson held Ottawa to just 87 rushing yards and forced three turnovers, all interceptions. The Braves converted just four of 13 third-down attempts and one of three fourth-down opportunities.
Up Next
With the win, McPherson improves to 5-0 on the season and will return home next Saturday to host Bethany College for Homecoming. Kickoff is slated for 1:00 PM on October 3rd at Brubaker Family Stadium.
