LEBANON, Ill. – Hosting the Minnesota State University – Moorhead Dragons for the first time, the McKendree Bearcats knocked off the Dragons by the score of 22-15 in the home opener. The Bearcats improve to 2-1 on the young season.

The McKendree defense forced two punts and a turnover on downs on the Dragons first three drives, but MSUM would strike first. They took advantage of a McKendree fumble with 25 yards to go. Just five plays later, Jack Strand found Carson Elbert for the seven yard touchdown pass. The Bearcats' next drive spanned six and a half minutes with 75 yards in 13 plays capped by an Eddie Clark 15-yard run to make it a 7-6 game.

As the game turned to the second quarter, Andrew Sherry picked off Strand and returned it to the Moorhead 40. That would set up a Dillon Bare 22-yard field goal to give the Bearcats the 9-7 lead. The ensuing drive, Ja'Markus Gary forced a fumble to be recovered by Elijah Felton at the McKendree 45. Two plays later, Ty Michael found Yogi Flager, Jr. behind the defense for the 46-yard touchdown to put the Bearcats up 16-7 early in the second quarter. With 7:44 left on the clock going into halftime, McKendree took over after a MSUM punt and had 90 yards facing them. The offense proceeded to go those 90 yards in 12 plays capped off by a Quincy Hall, Jr. 16-yard touchdown pass with 66 seconds remaining before half.

The Dragons ended the scoring as Jack Strand scrambled down the sideline for a 36-yard TD run.

Stat Leaders

Ty Michael: 20 of 36, 244 yards, 2 TDs

Eddie Clark: 24 carries, 102 yards, TD

Yogi Flager, Jr: 6 catches, 119 yards, TD

Andrew Sherry: 11 tackles, INT, 2 BreakUps