Coyotes Stunned Ranked McPherson

In a thrilling finish, the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes pulled off a dramatic rally to shock the McPherson Bulldogs 20-17 on November 8, 2025, at Gene Bissell Field at home here in Salina.

First Half: Bulldogs seize early lead

McPherson struck early and often, taking control of the opening stages with a 10-0 lead after the first quarter. The Bulldogs marched into the end zone with a 4-yard run and followed with a 33-yard field goal before the Coyotes had a chance to respond. 

In the second quarter, Kansas Wesleyan began to fight back. A forced fumble by WR Dejaylon Beal, recovered by DB Taylor Collins and returned for a touchdown, cut the margin to 10-7. A field goal by K Talon Cope from 39 yards tied the game at 10-10. But McPherson answered with a 2-yard pass for a TD to move ahead 17-10. Just before the half, Cope added another field goal from 32 yards to send the Coyotes to the locker room down by just four at 17-13.

Third Quarter: Defensive grind

The third quarter saw little scoring action: both teams missed field goal opportunities, and punts dominated. Wesleyan held McPherson scoreless in the half, setting up the final quarter’s drama. 

Fourth Quarter: Coyotes pull it out

Trailing by four and with the clock winding down, Kansas Wesleyan took over at their own 7-yard line with 4:56 remaining after a McPherson punt. From there, the Coyotes executed a 12-play, 93-yard drive that culminated in a game-winning 11-yard pass from QB Henry Austad to senior RB D’Heaven Domena with 57 seconds left. The PAT by Talon Cope was good, giving KWU a 20-17 lead.

McPherson had one final chance, but after being pinned at their own 8-yard line by a penalty and unable to mount a successful drive, the Coyotes held on.

Stand-out performances & stats from the game

• D’Heaven Domena carried 32 times for 147 rushing yards and added two catches for 32 receiving yards—including the game-winning catch.

• Rhadarious Lomax-Spivey hauled in six catches for 45 yards.

• Defensively for KWU: Senior LB Jamison Price led the team with nine tackles; Myles Elam had eight and a sack; Callum Armstrong logged two sacks. The Coyotes held McPherson scoreless in the second half. 

• In overall yardage, Wesleyan edged the Bulldogs 296–287. Turnovers: McPherson committed three, and KWU two. Time of possession favored Wesleyan 31:44 to 28:16. 

Significance and reaction

This victory is a major moment for Kansas Wesleyan’s season. Coming into the game, McPherson was ranked No. 18 and viewed as a strong contender in the conference. The upset gives the Coyotes momentum heading into their regular-season finale.

For McPherson, the loss is a setback—having built an early lead and then being blanked in the second half underscores the challenge of maintaining discipline and finishing games strong.

What this means moving forward

• KWU improves to 7-3 overall, 3-1 in conference play.

• McPherson slips to 8-2, 2-2 in the KCAC. 

• The Coyotes’ ability to execute under pressure—especially on that final drive—speaks volumes about their resilience and coaching.

• Their defense stepping up in the second half (zero points allowed) will give them confidence heading into their next and final game against Southwestern.

For more information on the football team’s season, you can find it here: 2025 Football Schedule – Kansas Wesleyan University

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