Wildcats Open MSC Play with Win at Faulkner
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Bethel University (2-2) delivered a dominant performance on the road, defeating Faulkner University (3-2) 30-7 on Saturday afternoon at Billy D. Hilyer Stadium in Montgomery, Alabama. The Wildcats outgained the Eagles 408 to 166 in total offense and stifled Faulkner's attack for most of the contest.
It was the conference opener for both squads.
First Half: Bethel Sets the Tone
Bethel opened the scoring in the first quarter with a 32-yard field goal from Zachary Clutch, capping a 9-play, 65-yard drive. The Wildcats extended their lead in the second quarter when Destin Chance connected with Alonzo Russell for a 10-yard touchdown pass. Though the extra point failed, Bethel took a 9-0 lead into halftime.
Faulkner's offense struggled early, failing to score in the first half and managing just 77 total yards before the break.
Third Quarter: Fireworks and Big Plays
Faulkner briefly swung momentum in their favor when Duece Marshall found Darian Riggs for a 75-yard touchdown strike early in the third quarter, trimming the lead to 9-7.
But Bethel responded instantly.
Just 15 seconds later, Chance fired a 75-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Pressey, silencing the home crowd. On the very next Faulkner drive, Deshawn Love scooped up a fumble and returned it 14 yards for another score, pushing the Wildcats' lead to 23-7 in a matter of minutes.
Fourth Quarter: Sealing the Win
Bethel added one final touchdown early in the fourth quarter, as Micah Jones hauled in an 18-yard scoring pass from Chance to close out the scoring at 30-7. The Wildcats' defense shut down Faulkner the rest of the way, ensuring there would be no late comeback.
Key Stats
- Bethel QB -Destin Chance: 23-of-43 for 329 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs
- Jayden Pressey: 5 catches, 122 yards, 1 TD
- Ray Harvey: 8 catches, 77 yards
- Faulkner QB Duece Marshall: 10-of-16 for 139 yards, 1 TD
Team Comparison
|
Category |
Bethel |
Faulkner |
|
Total Yards |
408 |
166 |
|
Rushing Yards |
79 |
27 |
|
Passing Yards |
329 |
139 |
|
Turnovers |
2 (INTs) |
2 (Fumbles) |
|
First Downs |
19 |
9 |
|
3rd Down Conversions |
7/17 (41%) |
2/12 (17%) |
|
Time of Possession |
25:45 |
34:15 |
Defensive Highlights
- Deshawn Love led the defensive effort with a fumble return TD.
- TJ Hart, Darrien Lewis, Amari Chapman, and Jordan Jackson all contributed to Bethel's four sacks.
- Faulkner was limited to under 30 rushing yards on 34 attempts, averaging less than one yard per carry.
Coach Chis Springer was happy with the effort and victory. "A win over a tough opponent on the road is a real step forward for us, but there's still plenty of room for improvement. Our guys continue to accept the challenge each week, and that commitment to growth is what's driving our success. Im proud of the effort today, but we know the work isn't done — we'll keep pushing to get better every day."
Looking Ahead
With the win, Bethel evens its record at 2-2 and gains momentum heading into the heart of their schedule. Faulkner drops to 3-2 after a disappointing offensive showing and will look to bounce back next week.
The Cats host Cumberland University on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
It will be Pepsi Mid/America Dr. Pepper Day. It will also be Pink Out Day.
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