McPHERSON, Kan. (MacBulldogs.com) — For the first time since 2010, the McPherson College Bulldogs football squad has won six consecutive games, after topping the Bethel College Threshers Saturday (Oct. 19) 35-10 at McPherson Stadium, home of Paul Family Field. The win also snaps a six-game losing streak to the Threshers dating back to the 2018 season.
The Bulldogs were balanced in their offensive attack, rushing for 152 yards and throwing for 194 yards to come away with the victory, and hand the Threshers their third straight loss. Jalil Brown led all Bulldogs rushers with 104 yards on 16 carries, his third 100-plus rushing game of the season.
Bethel struck first with a 21-yard field goal with 5:56 left in the second quarter, but the Bulldogs answered with a seven-play, 66-yard drive, capped off by a 24-yard touchdown pass from Tristan Szabo to Dillion Coleman. MC converted on the two-point attempt with a pass from Kevin Dodd to Kennan Puckett.
Then, just before halftime, the Threshers tried a 20-yard field goal, but Christopher Roshell blocked the kick, and returned it himself for the score as time expired.
Bethel punched back early in the third quarter, going 59 yards in two plays, including a 58-yard touchdown run by DJ Ciers to pull within 15-10, but from there the Bulldogs took full control and never looked back, scoring 21 consecutive points.
Matthew Garcia, Jr. blocked a Thresher punt, setting the Bulldogs up with a short field, then Brown made them pay, taking a swing pass from Szabo and scoring from 23-yards out. Szabo called his own number on the Bulldogs’ next series, punching it in from the one yard-line to make it a 28-10 advantage.
Szabo put the icing on the cake with a 30-yard touchdown pass to Traven Lewis-Johnson.
The Bulldogs hit the road next Saturday (Oct. 26) as they continue Kessinger Division play, traveling to Lindsborg to take on Bethany College. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.