MCKENZIE, Tenn. (September 6, 2008) - For the first time since the 2004 season, Bethel begins its football season 0-2. The Wildcats' offense sputtered for the second time this season giving up two safeties early in the contest. And although the defense only allowed seven points and 219 yards of offense, the Wildcats were unable to mount a comeback against the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire Blugolds, losing 11-6.

Bethel started the game off looking good on the defensive side of the ball, holding the Blugolds to a three and out. As would be the case for much of the night, UWEC was able to use field position to their advantage. Blugolds' punter and running back Cory Sartorelli pinned the Wildcats at the eight yard line for their first offensive possession. Facing third and seven from the eleven, first time starting quarterback Dallis Dixon dropped back to pass and as he was pressured he scrambled back to the endzone where he was dropped for a safety. After the free kick, UWEC drove to the Bethel nine for first and goal. The Wildcats' defense stiffened forcing the Blugolds to go for it on fourth and goal from the two. Wade Vandegriff and Johnathan Hathaway stuffed UWEC's QB Kyle Paulson at the one yard line. Bethel got a little breathing room to the seven yard line facing third and four. Lined up in shotgun formation, Dixon had trouble handling the snap cleanly, found himself in the end zone and was again dropped for a safety.

Neither team mounted any offense of significance in the first half. But on the last drive of the half, the Wildcats drove to the Blugolds 21 yard line. The ‘Cats Sean Fraser attempted a 38 yard field goal that looked to be tipped at the line as it sailed left as time expired. With that, the Wildcats headed to the locker room with the scoreboard showing the odd 4-0 score. While Bethel was only able to mount 102 yards of offense in the first half, the Wildcats' defense was up to the task allowing the Blugolds only 86 yards.

With just under four minutes remaining in the third quarter, the Blugolds faced fourth and ten at the Bethel 33 yard line. Sartorelli was able to scamper for 18 yards to convert the fourth down try. After no gain on the first play, Sartorelli took the handoff on the next play 15 yards for the score and the Blugolds had an 11-0 lead.

Then the Bethel offense finally showed signs of life as the Wildcats drove 68 yards on 13 plays to score their first touchdown of the night. Running back Justin Woodard ran a sweep to the left from nine yards out with 10:53 remaining. The ‘Cats attempted a two-point conversion that failed, but Bethel was within striking distance 11-6. Bethel's defense held, but the Blugolds had the ball for eleven plays and drained 6:53 off the clock before Sartorelli's punt again pinned Bethel deep in their own territory at the 10 yard line. Two costly false start penalties forced a Wildcats punt with 2:10 left. Bethel had all three time outs so there was still a chance to get the ball back. But, the Blugolds were able to convert a first down that allowed them to run the clock out.

Defensively, Dustin Finch led the way with seven stops on the night. Johnathan Deberry turned in a second straight solid game with six stops. Gregory Hines and Wade Vandergriff each had five tackles.

On the offensive side of the ball, Woodard had 68 yards on 21 carries and a score. Desmond Newbold had 63 yards on eight carries. Dixon was 4 of 9 for 31 yards.

Bethel will take two weeks off before they play their next home game and the start of Mid-South Conference play. The road doesn't get any easier as they play a cross-over divisional game against the ranked the University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) Patriots. Bethel hasn't experience much luck against the Patriots recently, losing the last four. In 2003 Cumberlands won 37-27, in '04 58-28, '05 47-45 and in 2006 21-13. Bethel is 2-9 all-time against the Patriots. Kick off for the September 20th matchup at Wildcat Stadium is set for 1:30pm.