Wildcats News
Sun, Nov 9, 2008 - [Football]
Bethel's Van Alexander brings down Faulkner University QB David Jones.  Alexander had 6 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Bethel's Van Alexander brings down Faulkner University QB David Jones. Alexander had 6 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
PRATTVILLE, Ala. (November 8, 2008) - The Bethel College football team used a dominating defense to defeat Faulkner University 38-6. The defense created five turnovers and limited the Eagles to only 194 total yards of offense. Three of the turnovers led to Bethel touchdowns. For the sixth time this season, Justin Woodard eclipsed the century mark in rushing with 151 yards.
 

It didn't start well for the Wildcats as they were held on their first and Chad Lamping's pass was picked off on their second possession. Faulkner's Anthony Haywood's interception and return set the Eagles up at the Wildcats 20-yard line. Facing third and 10, Faulkner's Philip Moore was picked off by Bethel's Chris Sipes at the six yard line. That defensive stand seemed to energize the offense at they drove 94 yards, ending with Woodard's three yard plunge. Woodard also had a run of 56 yards in the drive. Sean Fraser booted the PAT and Bethel led 7-0 at the end of the first.

With 7:57 remaining in the second quarter, the Bethel defense forced an Eagles punt that went six yards to the Faulkner 27 yard line. Bethel struck immediately, as Lamping hit Will Cripps on a 27 yard aerial and Bethel led 14-0. Faulkner responded on their following possession going 75 yards for a score. The Eagles attempted a 2-point try but failed for a 14-6 score, which would hold until halftime.

As the third quarter began, the Bethel defense once again set up the offense as Randall Williams recovered a fumble and returned it to the Faulkner 16 yard line. Three plays later and fullback Steve Jarrett pounded it in from the one yard line. With Bethel up 21-6, the defense decided to put more pressure on the Eagles. Consecutive sacks by William Henry and Chancey Depriest was followed by an interception by Antonio Wardlow. The Eagles next offensive possession was again mired with Bethel's defensive pressure. Van Alexander sacked quarterback David Jones for a six yard loss on second down and then sacked him on the next play for an 11 yard loss forcing a punt. Bethel's offense drove to the Faulkner five, but couldn't punch it in. Bethel's Fraser came on a booted the 27 yard field goal for a 24-6 lead.

Faulkner drove to the Bethel four yard line to begin the fourth quarter, but Moore's pass fell incomplete on fourth and goal try. The Eagles next offensive possession ended as Wardlow intercepted his second pass of the game. Wardlow's return to the Faulkner 34 set up the next Wildcat score. Five plays later Bethel running back David Brown broke a tackle and scored from the 12 yard line. The defense wasn't finished as Faulkner's next possession ended with a fumble that was picked up by Justin McElrath who sprinted 27 yards for the score. Faulkner's last possession ended on an incomplete pass and Bethel took a knee for a 38-6 win.

Bethel's Cody Baker led the Wildcats with eight tackles. Wade Vandergriff had six stops. Marshall Varnum had six stops and a tackle for loss. Van Alexander had six tackles, three for losses of 13.5 yards and 1.5 sacks. Johnathan Deberry had four tackles with 1.5 for loss. Chris Sipes had four stops and an interception. Wardlow had two interceptions.

Offensively, Woodard had 151 yards on 21 carries and a touchdown. Woodard currently is ranked number 12 in the nation in rushing averaging 108 yards per game. He needs just 26 yards in the final game of the season to become the third Bethel rusher to reach 1,000 yards in a season. The other two are Adrain Smith and Terrence Bell. David Brown had 59 yards on 10 carries and a score. Fullback Steve Jarrett had 16 yards on four carries and a TD. Lamping was 6 of 17 for 70 yards with an interception and one touchdown. Joevaris Carter had two catches for 30 yards. Will Cripps had one grab for a 27 yard touchdown.

Bethel is 4-5 (2-2) on the season and will play their season finale this coming Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 7:00pm against Shorter College (Ga.). It will be senior day and will see 10 players honored before the game. The game can be heard on 97.7 the Patriot and on-line at www.bethelathletics.com.