BY JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtribune.com

McPherson football coach Jace Pavlovich has written Cooper Ohnmacht's name in ink.

Ohnmacht's highlight reel the past three years against McPherson features a pair of 80-yard interception returns and a 91-yard opening kickoff return. He converted 6-of-6 extra points when kicker Diego Soto was injured last year.

Kansas State commit Ohnmacht wasted no time in week 1 with an interception return for a touchdown and 55 yards receiving against Scott City.

Great Bend football coach Erin Beck predicts the McPherson Bullpups (1-0) will pose a challenge Friday at Memorial Stadium.

The No. 4 4A state-ranked Panthers have beaten No. 6 ranked McPherson 29-16, 28-6 and 42-7 the past three years.

The Panthers rolled up 294 yards rushing in a 47-28 victory over Scott City. Cal Schartz rushed for 153 yards and Christian Alcala 118 yards. Quarterback Maxson Smiley passed for 186 yards against Scott City.

"We played efficient offensive football," Beck said. "Our backs ran hard and our offensive line will continue to play a physical style."

The Panthers yielded four touchdowns, that included a kickoff return and a late-game touchdown pass.

"Defensively, we played pretty well for the most part," Beck said. "The quarterback run game gave us trouble after halftime."

McPherson avenged a playoff loss to Augusta with a dominating 42-6 opening victory.

McPherson's multi-purpose quarterback Carter Bengston rushed for 148 yards and three scores and passed for 151 yards. Bengston scored on runs of 11, 11 and 51 yards. Marquis Kelly scored on a 70-yard interception. Dane Becker scored on a 2-yard run.

"McPherson is fast and athletic all over the field," Beck said. "Their quarterback throws it well. They have zone runs, a screen game and run/pass options."

McPherson's rare 3-3 defensive front based on quickness locked down Augusta.

"Defensively, they ran to the football," Beck said. "Our goal is for our offensive line to maintain their blocks."

PANTHER OFFENSE—1—Cal Schartz, RB; 2—Cooper Ohnmacht, WR; 5—Maxson Smiley, QB; 7—Kale Kern, WR or 24—Jaxon Wondra, WR; 13—Alec Premer, WR; 24—Jaxon Wondra, WR or 8—Jaden Prilling, WR; 54—Gavynn Maddox, C; 57—Keeton Bray, RT; 58—Colby Spore, LT; 59—Brady Mendez, RG; 73—Josue Bustamante, LG

PANTHER OFFENSE—1—Cal Schartz; 2—Cooper Ohnmacht, WR; 3—Carter Dreiling, STAR; 4—Hayden Liles, CB; 6—Gavin Wondra, CB; 24—Jaxon Wondra, DE; or 59—Brady Mendez, DE; 27—Blake Suppes, MIKE; or 24—Jaxon Wondra, MIKE: 50—Cole Fanshier, DE; 58—Colby Spore, DT; 73—Josue Bustamante, DT

MCPHERSON OFFENSE—0—Ashton Malm, WR; 1—Jaxon Hoover, WR; 2—Dane Becker, RB; 4—Izyck Puhalla, WR; 5—Carter Bengston, QB; 10—Brody Hoffman, WR; 51—Asher Allen, C; 53—Eli Soeken, LT; 55—Dylan Hall, LG; 61—Colt Harlin, RG; 72—McCoy Berggen, RT

MCPHERSON DEFENSE—2—Dane Becker, DB; 3—Colt Chapman, DB; 6—Bo Barkley, DT; 7—Adrian Unruh, DB; 9—Carter Melton, LB; 10—Brody Hoffman, DB; 14—Takoda Linn, DB; 24—Nolan Pearcy, LB; 50—Chase Lowery, LB; 55—Dylan Hall, DT; 71—Carter Leathers, DT

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