Hillsboro, Kan. - The Tabor College football team fell at home Saturday afternoon to the McPherson College Bulldogs by the score 43-10.

The Bluejays came out at the beginning of the game with a strong showing. The defense held McPherson on a fourth down attempt on their opening drive, which set Tabor up to drive down the field, leading to a 50 yard field goal by junior kicker Stephen Gulledge (Dallas, Texas).

"Our players came out ready to play, and it was great to see our team fight from start to finish," said Head Coach Mike Gottsch.

But that would be the only lead of the game for the Bluejays, as McPherson followed with three consecutive touchdowns through the air, putting Tabor behind 21-3 early in the second quarter. Late in the second quarter, the Bluejays found themselves in field goal position again, but a bad snap on the kick attempt led to a Gulledge rushing touchdown of three yards, putting the score at 21-10 at the end of the half.

"The halftime score indicates our guys are not finished playing," added Gottsch.

Despite forcing three turnovers in the second half, the defense was outmatched by a Bulldogs offense that is ranked 5th in the NAIA, surrendering 22 points in the second half.

The offense also struggled to produce against the Bulldog's defense, finishing the day with just under 200 total yards of offensive. The passing game was especially set back after losing two wide receivers to injury during the game - freshman Daniel Jost (Hillsboro, Kan.) and junior Robere LeBeauf (Long Beach, Cal.).

"The loss of Jost on the third play of the game really hurt us offensively but other receivers stepped up especially senior Spencer Brown (Hillsboro, Kan.)," added Gottsch. "Gulledge also had a big day as he scored every point for us including a 50 yard field goal.

"However the third quarter was our demise, we really needed to win that quarter to make the game interesting in the end," he added. "Our defense had some big takeaways, but to win the game we new we had to not give up the big plays, and our offense could not afford any turnovers. Our team knows we have two winnable games remaining and they are determined to finish strong."

The Bluejays (0-7 KCAC, 0-8 Overall) will travel to take on Southwestern College in Winfield, Kan. Saturday, Nov. 7 at 1:30 p.m.