WICHITA, Kan. – The No. 5-ranked Friends University Falcons are the last undefeated team in the KCAC after furiously rallying from a double-digit deficit for a 56-32 Homecoming victory yesterday (Oct. 18) at a rainy Adair-Austin Stadium.
Below are the top takeaways from the Falcons' massive win:
Answering Adversity: When a one-yard touchdown run by McPherson quarterback Ryan Markarian extended the Bulldog lead to 21-7, the Falcons faced their largest deficit since the 2023 season. Unfazed, the Falcons proceeded to score 49 of the game's final 60 points, highlighted by outscoring the Bulldogs 28-8 in the pivotal second half.
Sykes Sighting: E'derian Sykes again bettered his career-best rushing total with 160 yards on the ground and two touchdowns. Sykes' first score proved big as he broke free for a 60-yard burst that began to turn the tide and make it a one-possession game after the Bulldogs led 21-7. The Lake Village, Ark. native then capped the Falcons' big second half with a 15-yard touchdown run with 4:43 left in the fourth quarter.
Crucial Momentum Swing: The Falcons still trailed 24-21 late in the first half when Joshua Flash picked off a pass at the McPherson 45, returned it 44 yards before lateraling it to Kasey Lehman for the final one-yard scoring plunge that put the Falcons on top. That appeared to turn the tide in the game, as it gave the Falcons a lead into halftime and provided important momentum into the second half where they outscored the Bulldogs 28-8 to put the game away.
Defense Answers the Call: The Falcon defensive unit entered the game Saturday third in the NAIA in points allowed (7.2 ppg) but gave up 24 points in the first half to the Bulldogs. The second half proved a much different outcome, as the Falcons stiffened up and gave up just eight points, including none after the Bulldogs scored a touchdown with a two-point conversion on the opening drive after halftime. Friends also forced a pair of turnovers and two turnover on downs in the second half, highlighted by a crucial 55-yard pick-six from Camari Geddis that pushed the lead to 49-32 at the 11:32 mark of the fourth quarter.
Timely Drive: Taking the opening kickoff of the second half and attempting to maintain momentum gained at the end of the first half following a lightning delay, head coach Terry Harrison couldn't have scripted a better drive after halftime. The Falcons chewed more than seven minutes off the clock with an 11-play drive that was finished by an 11-yard score from K'Vonte Baker.
Contrasting Styles: Both the Falcon and Bulldog offenses had success moving the ball, but in fascinating different methods. Friends gained 446 total yards, with 433 coming on the ground. The Bulldogs meanwhile had 487 total yards, with 422 of those yards coming through the air.
Up Next: Another showdown awaits the Falcons next Saturday (Oct. 25) when they face No. 16-ranked Southwestern College at 1 pm in Winfield, Kan.
