McKendree University quarterback Reese Metcalf threw a career-high four touchdown passes in the Bearcats’ 34-17 victory over Kentucky State.
Metcalf and the Bearcat offense got right to work, scoring on its first two drives. They took the opening kickoff and went on a 7-play, 65-yard drive that ended in a 5-yard touchdown pass from Metcalf to Steven Towns, Jr. The extra point gave McKendree a 7-0. KSU went three-and-out on their next offensive possession and the Bearcats then drove 64 yards in nine plays. Zach Bobos showed a tremendous effort when he caught a pass near the five-yard line and took two KSU defenders into the end zone with him to extend the McKendree lead to 14-0, with the extra point.
Kentucky State cut the lead in half when their 13-play, 77-yard drive ended with a 12-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jules St. Ge to Demetrius Anderson. After a missed field goal by the Bearcats, KSU took over and a 60-yard run by St.Ge set up the Thorobreds in scoring position, but a penalty halted the drive’s momentum and rather than the tying touchdown, KSU had to settle for three in the form of a 26-yard Turner Warren field goal, leaving the score 14-10.
McKendree would find the end zone two times in the later stages of the first half, the first came with 3:28 to go in the first half, when Metcalf threw his third TD pass of the game- a 13-yard completion to wide receiver Josh Revay; the PAT was missed, leaving the score at 20-10. After regaining possession at its own 25 with 39 seconds to go when KSU’s offensive drive stalled at midfield, a Metcalf pass over the middle, broke a tackle and took it to the house. The 75-yard pass play was the longest play of the young season for the Bearcats. The extra point was converted, making the score 27-10 heading into halftime.
The offenses were silent in the third quarter and it was during this period the McKendree defense came up with a goal line stand. The Thorobreds’ offense had marched 79 yards over the course of 11 plays and were on the one-yard line. However they could not break through and was stuffed on 4th and 1. In the opening minute of the fourth quarter, Preston Thompson recorded his second longest run as a Bearcat, a 65-yard gallop down the right sideline that came after breaking three tackles. Kentucky State’s Michael Nero would then take the ensuing kickoff 86-yards for a score, making the score 34-17.
The Thorobreds head to Owensboro, KY to take in Kentucky Wesleyan in a non-conference game. Kickoff time is 7 p.m. EST. The Bearcats play host to Bowie State next week at 1 p.m.
