McPHERSON, Kan. – McPherson High School Football held their home opener Friday, Sept. 19, defeating Chanute 42-12.
Chanute entered as the No. 5 team in 4A, ranked by members of the media. McPherson entered unranked, but receiving votes.
The game started around 15 minutes later than originally planned due to a lightning delay, which began moments before the scheduled kickoff. It was not a tale of two halves like their win at Circle last week. This game was all Bullpups from start to finish, with impressive showings from both sides of the ball.
Offensively, McPherson showed off their passing game with 287 total yards in the air by starting QB Carter Bengtson. More impressively, junior WR Ashton Malm caught five passes for 218 yards and four touchdowns. Bo Barkley added 34 yards on three catches and Paxton Ingels added a pair of catches for 14 yards
The rushing attack also had a strong day with 198 yards on the ground. Brody Milleson led with 111 yards on 17 carries with a touchdown. Dane Becker ran for 78 yards on 15 tries with a touchdown as well.
Defensively, McPherson held Chanute to 285 yards of offense, the majority of which in the second half. They held the Blue Comets to just two scoring drives out of nine drives in total.
McPherson moves up to 2-1 on the season. They’ll travel to Winfield to play the Vikings at Jantz Stadium on Friday, Sept. 26.
Scoring Summary:
McPherson – 7 14 14 7
Chanute – 0 6 6 0
- 5:08 1Q – McPherson: 44-Yd. TD Pass by Carter Bengtson to Ashton Malm, XP Good (7-0 McPherson)
- 9:27 2Q – McPherson: 58-Yd. TD Pass by Carter Bengtson to Ashton Malm, XP Good (14-0 McPherson)
- 7:18 2Q – Chanute: 60-Yd. TD Run by Jalen Duncan, 2pt No Good (14-6 McPherson)
- 3:27 2Q – McPherson: 39-Yd. TD Pass by Carter Bengtson to Ashton Malm, XP Good (21-6 McPherson)
- 7:15 3Q – McPherson: 7-Yd. TD Run by Dane Becker, XP Good (28-6 McPherson)
- 4:01 3Q – McPherson: 65-Yd. TD Pass by Carter Bengtson to Ashton Malm, XP Good (35-6 McPherson)
- 0:38 3Q – Chanute: 1-Yd. TD Run by Jalen Duncan, 2pt No Good (35-12 McPherson)
- 7:27 4Q – McPherson: 3-Yd. TD Run by Brody Milleson, XP Good (42-12 McPherson)
