The #4 Bethel College Wildcats received notification last this afternoon that they will host the 5th ranked Cougars of The University of St. Francis. This year’s Quarterfinal NAIA Football Championship Series Game will feature two teams that played each other in the quarterfinal round last year. However, the game was played at The University of St. Francis in Fort Wayne, Ind. Game time is tentatively set for 2:30 pm CST at Wildcat Stadium in McKenzie, Tenn. Pre-Ordered tickets are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for students with valid identification. Tickets may be pre-ordered by calling 731-352-6428. Tickets the day of the game are $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for students and 18-and-under.
Last season, the Wildcats almost pulled off what would have been a huge upset. Bethel was leading the #1 ranked Cougars 35-34 with 1:26 remaining in the game. But, the Cougars went 68 yards on six plays in 1:10 to claim a 42-35 win eliminating the Wildcats. St. Francis then lost to Sioux Falls in the championship game 23-19.
This marks the first time since 2002 that the Cougars have had to play a playoff game away from the confines of John M. D’Arcy stadium where they have won 45 consecutive games. St. Francis plays in the Mid-States Football Association, competing in the Mideast Division. The Cougars are 10-1 on the season with their lone loss coming against #3 Ohio Dominican 20-30. They have also played in the NAIA Championship game the last three years, just falling short of the title.
Bethel is coming off a convincing win over #13 Mid-America Nazarene University, 55-34 in the First Round of the NAIA Football Championship Series. The Wildcats are 11-1, the best record since football was reinstated in 1993. Their lone loss coming to NCAA Football Championship Sub-Division (formerly Div. I-AA) Austin Peay 43-19 in BC's second game of the season.
