Leavenworth, Kansas – The Bulldogs traveled to Leavenworth, Kansas, on Saturday afternoon to take on the University of Saint Mary Spires in another KCAC matchup. The Bulldogs put together a dominant performance on both sides of the ball, earning a 63-7 victory behind a powerful offensive attack and a defensive effort that limited the Spires to just seven points.
The Basics
Location: Berkel Memorial Stadium
Records: MC 7-1 (1-1 KCAC), USM 0-8 (0-2 KCAC)
Score: MC 63, USM 7
How it Happened
McPherson wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, as Jalil Brown found the end zone on a three-yard run to cap off the Bulldogs’ opening scoring drive. Brown added another three-yard touchdown run later in the first quarter, giving McPherson a 14-0 advantage heading into the second quarter.
The Bulldogs continued to build their lead in the second quarter. Ryan Markarian connected with Kameron Hamid for a 19-yard touchdown pass before Brown recorded his third rushing touchdown of the afternoon on a one-yard plunge. Max Younie added a five-yard touchdown run late in the quarter, sending McPherson into halftime with a commanding 35-0 lead.
McPherson picked up right where it left off after the break. Markarian found Mitchel Aubrey for a 22-yard touchdown pass before adding a 31-yard rushing touchdown of his own, extending the Bulldogs’ advantage to 49-0.
Saint Mary answered with a two-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter to get on the board. However, the Bulldogs responded immediately, as Jacob Ford connected with Brandon McCullough for a 57-yard touchdown pass with 40 seconds remaining in the quarter. Wyatt Smith added another explosive scoring play in the fourth, finding Tristan Sanchez for a 61-yard touchdown pass to cap off the scoring and secure the 63-7 victory.
The Bulldogs’ offense finished the afternoon with 718 total yards, including 383 passing yards and 335 rushing yards. Markarian led the passing attack with 232 yards and two touchdowns, while Brown finished with three rushing touchdowns. Younie added 89 rushing yards and a touchdown, and Sanchez led the receiving corps with 151 yards and a touchdown on three receptions.
Defensively, McPherson held the Spires to just 219 total yards, including 79 passing yards. The Bulldogs also recorded an interception by Matthew Garcia Jr., who returned it 39 yards, while Major Hart and Joshua Ferguson each recorded a sack.
