Buhler 28, McPherson 21
Buhler, KAN. – Friday’s meeting between Buhler and McPherson offered everything you would expect from a rivalry game. Including an unexpected beginning and a thrilling finish.
Perhaps the game’s most spectacular moment came on McPherson’s first play from scrimmage when Mitchel McDaniel leaped up and made a one-handed interception in front of receiver Ashton Malm. Buhler then punctuated the turnover with a 36-yard drive and a McDaniel one yard touchdown run.
While McPherson would tie the score twice in the first half, Buhler never trailed.
Brendan Scripsick had arguably his best game at quarterback for the Crusaders, completing 9 of 16 pass attempts for 218 yards and two touchdowns.
“Brendan passed the ball very well,” head coach Steve Warner said. “He did a good job of taking care of the ball and putting us in the right position.”
Down a score with just over a minute to play in regulation, McPherson had one final opportunity on offense, only to see the game end as it began. With a turnover. On a third down pass to Bishop Brown, Will Hanen forced and recovered a fumble, helping to secure the victory for Buhler.
Hanen added 10 tackles and an interception to lead the defense.
“Just a great football player,” Warner said. “Will has given everything he has to this team.”
With the win, Buhler (6-2) earns the no. five seed in the 4A West Playoffs and will host Arkansas City this Friday at 7 p.m. at Crusader Stadium.
Scoring
Buhler: 7-14-7-0
Mitchel McDaniel (1)
Jacob Miller (2)
Quentin Pisano (1)
McPherson: 7-7-0-7
Catch Delany (1)
Bishop Brown (2)
