Kansas City, Missouri – The Bulldogs kicked off their 2026 season on the road against the Avila University Eagles on Saturday afternoon. These two teams met at McPherson Family Stadium a year ago under the lights to get their seasons started, where the Bulldogs rolled to a dominant 52-7 victory.
The Basics
Location: Zarda Multisport Complex
Records: MC 1-0, AU 0-1
Score: MC 48, AU 7
How it Happened
Offensively, it was a slow start for McPherson College on Saturday as the Bulldogs stalled out on their first two possessions in the first quarter. On the other side of the ball, the defense was able to force two turnovers on Avila’s two opening possessions.
McPherson’s Chase Thompson came up with the interception on a tipped pass through the middle of the field on Avila’s opening drive, but McPherson was unable to find the promise land. Following an interception by Matthew Garcia Jr, the Bulldogs were able to cash in for six for the first time this season on Santiago Salas’ two-yard carry burying himself into the endzone for the 7-0 lead.
McPherson’s next score came from Jamai Rutherford. Ryan Markarian threw a ball on the money to Rutherford who scored on the 27-yard pitch-and-catch to give the Bulldogs a 14-0 lead in the second quarter.
A noteworthy punting clinic came from senior Jack Finder who continuously pinned the Eagle deep in their own territory. Finder’s biggest boot of the afternoon was his 74-yard punt from McPherson’s 22 yard line that was downed at the Eagles’ four yard line.
McPherson completed their two-minute drill just before time winded down in the half as Mitchel Aubrey’s one-yard touchdown reception capped off a 10-play 88-yard drive to give the Bulldogs a 20-0 lead heading into the locker room.
The Bulldogs continued their dominance in the second half, putting up 28 more points over the Eagles who were struggling to find any rhythm on either side of the ball.
After the final second ticked off the clock, the Bulldogs walked out of Kansas City with the 48-7 win to open up their season.
Up Next
The Bulldogs will have their home opener next weekend as they host the Bethel College Threshers at Brubaker Family Field on September 5th at 7:00 PM.
