> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.citizenjournal.us/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# 3rd Grade Pups Capture First Victory with Dominant 7-0 Shutout Over Hays
- URL: https://www.citizenjournal.us/pups-capture-first-victory-with-dominant-7-0-shutout-over-hays/
- Published: 2025-10-01T12:57:45.000Z
- Updated: 2026-05-29T22:47:04.000Z
- Description: McPherson defense shines in breakthrough win over Hays Oilers
- Author: Treg Fawl
- Tags: mcj, dnn

**HAYS, Kan.** – The McPherson 3rd grade football team broke into the win column Saturday morning with a 7-0 shutout victory over the Hays Oilers in a defensive battle. The Pups' defense dominated throughout, recording multiple fourth-down stops while Rhett Simon added pressure with several sacks. Braelyn Hicks led the defensive effort with 15 total tackles, followed by strong performances from Merrit Cullinane and Paxton Burgan.

Offensively, McPherson controlled the trenches behind the blocking of Kylar Brooks, Rhett Simon, Braelyn Hicks, Jaggar Vincent, and Luke Anderson. Merrit Cullinane starred in the ground game, rushing for 126 yards and one touchdown on just nine carries. Nolan Shaw contributed with a reception and converted the extra point to complete the scoring.

The victory gives McPherson momentum heading into Week 5 when they return home to face Westside Wichita.

[citizen journal App Launches User-Submitted Sports Scoring FeatureLocal residents can now submit game scores and photos directly from mobile devices![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f7/e6/f7e66a8b-8f27-493f-8b7e-664ecefd4c3d/content/images/icon/favicon-1506.ico)citizen journalGreg Loving![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f7/e6/f7e66a8b-8f27-493f-8b7e-664ecefd4c3d/content/images/thumbnail/sq-ks-2.png)](https://www.citizenjournal.us/citizen-journal-app-launches-user-submitted-sports-scoring-feature/)

---

### Sponsors (click me!)

[ ![Alt text](https://rosebud-ads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/venable.png) ](https://www.venablejewelers.com/?ref=citizenjournal.us) [ ![Alt text](https://rosebud-ads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/c%26l.png) ](http://www.clhvac.com/?ref=citizenjournal.us) [ ![Alt text](https://rosebud-ads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/museum.png) ](https://mcphersonmuseum.com/?ref=citizenjournal.us) [ ![Alt text](https://rosebud-ads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/elliot.png) ](http://www.elliottlawks.com/?ref=citizenjournal.us) [ ![Alt text](https://rosebud-ads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/ad-normal-sales.png) ](https://gregl72.github.io/adsales/?ref=citizenjournal.us) 

---

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

[Contact Us](https://www.citizenjournal.us/contact/)