McPherson, Kan – Following their first loss of the year to 5th nationally ranked Friends University, the McPherson College Bulldogs hosted their first football game at home since homecoming weekend back on September 27th, when it was just a tad warmer outside. In a windy and rainy battle, the Spires of Saint Mary looked to bounce back after taking a 42-21 loss a week prior to Kansas Wesleyan University.
The Basics
Location: McPherson Stadium
Records: MC 7-1 (1-1 KCAC), USM 2-6 (0-2 KCAC)
Score: MC 66, USM 0
How it Happened
Despite the wet conditions of play, McPherson made quick work to build up a mountainous lead in the first quarter. The Bulldogs scored their first touchdown in the first minute of the game as Ryan Markarian and Dylan Gantz connected for 69 yards through the air to take the 7-0 lead. After the Spires stalled on their opening possession, the Bulldogs had prime real estate following a blocked punt by McPherson’s Chas Thompson, placing the ball at Saint Mary’s 30-yard line. One play later, the Bulldogs were back in the endzone as Markarian threw for his second touchdown to Jamai Rutherford from 30 yards out for the 14-0 advantage.
The Spires would be forced to punt on their next possession, leading to another Markarian throwing score; this one caught by Kaden Millinder for 34 yards and the 21-0 lead. Still not done throwing for points, Markarian threw his fourth passing touchdown of the first quarter to Jamai Rutherford for 40 yards, extending the lead to 28-0.
Markarian would find his fifth score of the game in the second quarter on a quick two-yard throw to Dylan Gantz to bump the lead to 35-0 with 12:22 left in the half. Jack Finder would hit a 22-yarder on McPherson’s next drive to extend the advantage to 38-0. Saint Mary’s next offensive possession would be haunted on their first play from scrimmage; Kevin Hasley’s boomstick hit on Kameron Smith jarred the ball loose and would be recovered in Spire territory by the Bulldogs. Santiago Salas’ nine-yard burst into the endzone moved the lead to 45-0.
In the second half, Jalil Brown started off the scoring with a 60-yard gallop into the promise land for the 52-0 advantage over Saint Mary.
Wyatt Smith checked into the ballgame for Markarian and didn’t break stride, throwing for a 33-yard score to Santiago Salas to extend the advantage to 59-0. McPherson’s final score of the day would come in the fourth quarter after Rivas Melendez made his way into the endzone from 25 yards out to take the 66-0 advantage over Saint Mary.
Tristin Trevathan worked his way towards the endzone with seconds ticking away, but his 26-yard carry would be the final play of the game as the Bulldogs took the 66-0 victory over Saint Mary.
Up Next
McPherson faces a tough road test this upcoming Saturday as they head to Winfield, Kansas to take on Southwestern College on November 8th at 1:00 PM.
