Terre Haute, IN - The McKendree University Football team (0-1, 0-0) opened the 2025 season on Thursday night at FCS DI (RV) Indiana State (1-0) with a strong effort, ultimately falling 41-24 at Terre Haute's Memorial Stadium. The Bearcats went toe-to-toe with the Sycamores, using special teams plays, a swarming defense, and fourth quarter scoring drives to keep Indiana State within reach before the final 17-point margin.

Quarterback Ty Michael was a major lift, throwing for 115 yards and two touchdowns in the second half. His completions to Quincy Hall Jr. and Brylan Apholone had McKendree within 10 points during the waning minutes of the fourth quarter. 

Hall Jr. went for five receptions, 69 yards, and the aforementioned touchdown, while Apholone tallied 42 yards on four catches, including his score. 

The rushing attack saw Eddie Clark (74 yds, 1 TD) and Eric Dickerson Jr. (8 carries, 57 yards) provide a 1-2 punch, with Dickerson Jr. averaging over seven yards per rush. 

The defensive effort of the Bearcats was also key. Mylan Nettles led the way on that side of the ball with 10 total tackles. Tanner Hollerich and Dameion Hatten combined for three sacks, as McKendree got to Indiana State's dual-threat quarterback Elijah Owens five times. By game's end, the Bearcat defense totaled five sacks and had 10 tackles for loss. 

A first half interception from Cyris Davis, leaping up inside the red zone, kept it at a very reachable point. In fact, the Bearcat special teams unit drew a high snap that went out of the back of the end zone for a safety, making it a mere 13-12 margin at the halftime break. 

The Sycamores ultimately out-scored the Bearcats 21-0 in the third quarter, taking a then 22-point advantage into the final frame (34-12). 

McKendree, however, would not back down. The Bearcats used a 12-play, 75-yard drive to cut it to a two-score game, capped by Ty Michael finding Hall Jr. for a 20-yard touchdown pass. The aforementioned toss from Michael to Apholone made it 34-24 with 4:54 to go. 

The Sycamores would score once more before the game's completion, but the Bearcats have plenty of positives to build on headed into next Saturday's home opener against the Hillsdale Chargers, a 12:00 PM kickoff from Leemon Field. 

HE SAID IT - QUOTES FROM COACH JASON REJFEK
On the team's effort despite a big third quarter from the Sycamores
"There's no moral victories in football. There's wins and losses. That's the biggest thing about what we gotta get done here. Our guys played the way we wanted them to play with their energy and effort. Third quarter - we didn't do a good job of playing complimentary football. Lot of good things we can coach off of." 

On how much of a factor the special teams unit played in this game
"Yeah, our 'bruiser units' did a very good job from a whole standpoint. Still got a couple holes we gotta fix in there, but there's a lot of good we can get out of there." 

On what he would like to take from this week and build into Week 1 vs. Hillsdale
"I thought our physicality was pretty good. I thought, both sides of the ball - our front line did a good job. We gotta continue to work on those details. Once we get those cleaned up, we're going to be in a really good spot."

McKendree Offensive Notables
Ty Michael (QB) | 7-14 passing, 115 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INT
Eddie Clark (RB) | 21 carries, 74 rushing yards, 1 TD
Quincy Hall Jr. (WR) | 5 receptions, 69 yards, 1 TD

McKendree Defensive Notables
Mylan Nettles (LB) | 10 total tackles (7 solo, 3 assisted)
Jayden Howard (DL) | 9 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss
Tanner Hollerich | 8 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks

McKendree Special Teams Notables (21.6 yards per kickoff return)
Chase Reeves (K/P) | 24 yd field goal, 63.2 yards per kickoff, 41.0 yards per punt
Quincy Hall Jr. (KR) | 2 returns, 42 yards
Jerry Richardson (KR) | 21 yd kickoff return

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE BEARCATS
vs. Hillsdale Chargers (0-0)
Saturday, September 6th - 12:00 PM
Leemon Field - Lebanon, Illinois
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