Week 3: McPherson vs Chanute
September 22 2024
1 McPherson Bullpups Fall to Chanute Blue Comets 27-14 Despite Strong Start
Contact: gregloving@protonmail.com
1 McPherson Bullpups Fall to Chanute Blue Comets 27-14 Despite Strong Start
In their first road game of the season, the McPherson Bullpups started strong but ultimately fell to the undefeated Chanute Blue Comets 27-14 on Friday night. McPherson’s quick start, which saw them score on just their second offensive play, was overshadowed by a relentless Chanute offense and self-inflicted errors that plagued the Bullpups throughout the game.
McPherson jumped out to an early 7-0 lead after quarterback Carter Allen connected with wide receiver Bishop Brown on a deep pass, setting up a short touchdown run. However, Chanute quickly responded with a 63-yard touchdown pass from Chris Harding to Elliott Stevenson, tying the game at 7-7. The Blue Comets would not look back, scoring 27 unanswered points.
Chanute's offense was powered by a balanced attack, with running back Quentin Harding rushing for 80 yards on 18 carries, while wide receiver Elliott Stevenson tallied 97 receiving yards. Quarterback Chris Harding threw for 204 yards and two touchdowns while adding another score on the ground.
The Bullpups had opportunities to close the gap, recovering two fumbles in key moments, but offensive struggles—including several high snaps and missed throws—prevented them from capitalizing. McPherson had a chance to score late in the third quarter but was stopped on fourth down at Chanute's one-yard line.
“We have to find a way to get these guys prepared because it didn’t appear we were tonight,” said McPherson head coach Jace Pavlovich after the game. “We started strong, but we didn’t execute consistently.”
Late in the fourth quarter, McPherson showed signs of life when Allen led a two-play, 55-yard drive, capped by a 14-yard touchdown pass to Brown, narrowing the deficit to 27-14. However, it was too little too late, as Chanute controlled possession and ran out the clock to remain unbeaten at 3-0.
McPherson (1-2) will look to regroup as they head home to face Winfield next Friday, while Chanute (3-0) prepares for a matchup against Nemaha Central.