MCKENZIE, Tenn. (June 23, 2008) - The Bethel College football schedule has been finalized for the 2008 season and includes three first time opponents for the Wildcats. Bethel will play a ten game schedule with six games at home. Homecoming is set for October 18, 2008 at 6:00pm.

 

Aug. 23, 7:00pm HOME vs. Concordia College (Selma, Ala.)

This will be the first meeting between the Wildcats and the Hornets of Concordia College. The Hornets are in their fourth year of football, having started their program in 2005. Concordia will be a member of the Mid-South Conference beginning next season. Last season, the Hornets went 2-9, but posted wins against two NAIA schools. They defeated Webber International, Fla. (38-27) and Mid-South Conference member Belhaven College (32-19).

Sept. 6, 7:00pm HOME vs. The University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

After an open date, the Wildcats will face another first time opponent in the Blugolds of UWEC. The Blugolds are a NCAA D-III school that posted a 9-3 (5-2) record last season. UWEC made it to the quarterfinals of the NCAA D-III playoffs last season before falling to Bethel University of St. Paul, Minn.

Sept. 20, 1:30pm HOME vs. The University of the Cumberlands (Ky.)

In a Mid-South Conference cross-over game, the Wildcats will look to get on the winning side against the Patriots. Bethel is 2-9 all-time against the Patriots and has lost the last three match-ups. The Wildcats lost 58-28 in 2004, 47-45 in 2005 and 21-12 in 2006. The Patriots were ranked #16 in the final 2007 poll.

Sept. 27, 6:30pm HOME vs. Belhaven College (Jackson, Miss.)

The first conference divisional game of the season will once again be with the Blazers. Bethel has been the dominate team in the last four years winning 49-20 last season, 51-21 in 2006 (later forfeited by NAIA action), 31-28 in 2005 and 46-25 in 2004. The Blazers feature a spread offense and will test the Wildcats secondary.

Oct. 4, 1:30pm AWAY at Cumberland University (Lebanon, Tenn.)

The Wildcats took care of business last season winning 54-15. The ‘Cats know how hard it is to win on the road in and in the conference and will not take this game lightly. This is an important divisional game.

Oct. 11, 12:30pm AWAY at Pikeville College (Pikeville, Ky.)

The Wildcats make the longest trip of the season, 448 miles to face the Bears. Last season was a close affair with the ‘Cats coming out on top 41-34. The Bears proved they can be a dangerous team and this will be a tough challenge on the road.

Oct. 18, 6:00pm HOME vs. West Virginia Tech

The Wildcats will host the Golden Bears for Bethel College's Homecoming 2008. Last year was the first time the two teams have played and the Wildcats cruised to a 42-7 victory. Without a doubt, there will be a huge crowd on hand to cheer the ‘Cats on.

Oct. 25, 1:30pm AWAY vs. Lambuth University (Jackson, Tenn.)

No one in this part of the state has to explain this game. Separated by only 45 minutes, rivalry only begins to explain this game. Dubbed the Cannonball Classic, the winner gets to keep the trophy for the following year. Bethel claimed an edge in the series with last year's 56-31 win and now the series stands at 11-10-1 all-time.

Nov. 8, 7:00pm AWAY vs. Faulkner University (Prattville, Ala.)

Faulkner begins their second year of football and its first year in the Mid-South Conference West Division. The Eagles went 1-9 last season; this is the first-ever game between the two schools.

Nov. 15, 7:00pm HOME vs. Shorter College (Rome, Ga.)

In the regular season finale, the Wildcats play host to the Hawks. Last season the Wildcats defeated Shorter on the road 44-21. The Hawks received votes in the final 2007 NAIA poll. The Hawks are entering their fourth year of football and have shown steady improvement each year.