WICHITA, Kan.     The Tabor Bluejays traveled to Wichita on Friday to take on the Friends Falcons, hoping to spoil their homecoming weekend. The Bluejays played hard, but ultimately lost 36-13.

Tabor's offense struggled to keep up all game, gaining just 161 yards compared to Friends' 353 yards. They utilized both Tyson Dozhier and William Green at quarterback, completing five of 18 passes for 58 yards. 

The big play offensively from Tabor came from running back Jordan Bolden, who led the team with 129 rushing yards on 18 carries, on the last drive (excluding the one-play drive to close the half) of the first half, when he broke free for a 55-yard run. That play would set up the Bluejays for their lone points of the half, a 26-yard field goal from Nathaniel Hielig.

"We played better in certain aspects. We were able to run the ball a little bit better than what we have been," Head Coach Mike Gardner said.

The Tabor defense held their own, as Martavian Jackson and Micah Winans each intercepted Falcon passes. Friends quarterback K'Vonte Baker was able to punch in a couple of short yardage touchdown runs and kicker Cole Thompson converted a field goal right before half to take a 16-3 lead.

The second half started slow for Tabor, but linebacker Cole Hernandez knocked the ball free from Friends receiver Zach Dressler, giving the Bluejays great field position at the Friends 25. The offense was able to run the ball down to the six-yard line before being stuffed on a third-and-two. Heilig would knock in the field goal from 23 yards to cut it to 16-6.

Friends would deliver the knockout punch early in the 4th quarter on a long 37-yard touchdown pass from Baker to Kaden Rigsby. A blocked extra point kept the score at 22-6. Baker would add another touchdown to the board later on to make the score 29-6.

The final offensive drive for the Bluejays was the best of the night, with two big completions from Green to running back Devin Jones. The first was a 32-yard grab, followed by a 10-yard touchdown reception. The Falcons would take the ensuing kickoff the distance, capping the 36-13 defeat.

"It's just a matter of us being able to move people up front, get the ball in their hands. The difference is being able to get the ball in their hands," Gardner said. "The message to them (for next week) is the same as it is every week: Prepare, take away what they want to do on film, and put ourselves in the best possible position we can and that will take care of itself if you do those kinds of things."

Tabor (0-5) will host Bethel College (3-2) for their Homecoming game next Saturday, September 30th. Kickoff is set for 2:00 pm at Joel H. Wiens Stadium.

Tabor College is a Christ-centered institution located in Hillsboro, Kansas. The Bluejays are members of the NAIA and compete in the KCAC.