Box Score MCPHERSON, Kan.  The Bluejays went on the road to open up the 2023 season at McPherson College on Saturday night. With the KCAC moving to a divisional format this year, and the Bulldogs and the Bluejays being in separate divisions, this game will still count as a conference game, but it does not have the same impact as playing a team in the same division.

The first quarter started out slow for both teams.  The Bulldogs got the ball first and were forced to punt.  Tabor returned the favor and punted back to the Bulldogs.  The Bluejays forced another McPherson punt on their second drive as well. The Bluejays were able to get some early momentum going with a 50 yard field goal from Nathaniel Heilig on their second drive of the game, putting them up 3-0.

The next score would come in the second quarter for Tabor when Jayton Alexander made an interception and took it 30 yards into the endzone for a Bluejay pick six. The Bulldogs would answer with three touchdowns of their own before halftime making it 21-10.

The Bulldogs forced a safety and scored a touchdown in the third quarter and started out the fourth quarter with a touchdown which would be quickly answered by a Bluejay touchdown.  The Bulldogs would go on to score two more touchdowns to finish out the game.  McPherson would go on to defeat Tabor by a final score of 51-17.

Head Coach Mike Gardner said "Obviously the game itself demands much cleaner execution than what we even came close to tonight, but at the same time we have ten games left."

Despite the result, there is plenty to be encouraged about for Bluejay fans, coaches, and players alike. Thirteen players played in their first collegiate game for the Bluejays, with nine of them being true freshmen. Nathaniel Heilig tied his longest career field goal, being 50 yards.

The Bluejays will kick off their 2023 home opener at 7 PM on Saturday, September 2^nd against KCAC newcomer Evangel University.