LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – The University of Saint Mary football team started off on the right foot today against McPherson College, but fell in the end, 49-27 at Berkel Memorial Stadium.

The Spires are now 0-8 overall and 0-7 in the KCAC.

McPherson drove down the field on their first possession and was able to capitalize on a 32-yard touchdown run, making the score 7-0. The Spires then struck back on their first drive of the game as Jalil Grimes led them down the field, before finding Jordan Longoria for a nine-yard touchdown pass on third down to tie the score.

The Bulldogs would go with the deep ball on their next possession and were able to connect on a 75-yard touchdown pass. McPherson would then miss the extra point as they led 13-7, later heading into the second quarter. McPherson tacked on another touchdown, but the Spires came within seven points later on. Bryan Barnhart ran down the field, caught a pass from Grimes and found the endzone, as the Spires trailed 20-13.

As it looked as if Saint Mary would take the momentum to their advantage, McPherson was fortunate after punting the ball. The punt would result in a safety for the Bulldogs to give them two points and they later extended the lead on another touchdown from quarterback Ed Crouch. Late in the second quarter, Saint Mary struck again as Barnhart added his second touchdown of the game. The Spires trailed 29-20 heading into the half.

The second half would be all McPherson as they added three touchdowns to take a 49-20 lead. The Spires would find paydirt one last time as Domingo Dahn caught a seven-yard pass from Grimes to cut the score to 49-27.

Grimes led the passing attack with a career high 262 yards and four touchdowns. Matthew Graham went over the century mark with 122 yards on 28 carries, while Dahn had 150 yards receiving and a touchdown. Trey Espy led the defense with 13 total tackles and a forced fumble.

UP NEXT
The Spires return to action on Nov. 2 when they travel to Ottawa University. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.