No. 25 Cats Travel to Cumberlands (KY) Saturday
WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. – For the first time this season, the Bethel University Wildcats football team has cracked the NAIA Top 25 rankings, earning national recognition for their strong start and consistent play through the first half of the season. The Wildcats' impressive performances have caught the attention of voters across the country, marking another milestone for a program that continues to rise under Head Coach Chris Springer.
The Wildcats are tied at No. 25 in the nation.
After an open week to rest, recover, and fine-tune details, Bethel turns its attention to a tough road test this Saturday against the University of the Cumberlands. The matchup comes at a crucial point in the season as the Wildcats look to build on their momentum and prove they belong among the nation's elite.
Bethel's balanced attack on both sides of the ball has been key to its success. The Wildcats' offense has found rhythm behind quarterback Dustin Chance, while the defense continues to make timely stops and creates turnovers behind the play of Darrien Lewis. That combination has led to several statement wins and set the stage for a competitive second half of the season.
Saturday's matchup in Williamsburg, Kentucky, will be no easy task. The Patriots of Cumberlands are known for their physical play and home-field advantage, making it a true test for the newly ranked Wildcats.
Kickoff between Bethel and Cumberlands is set for 1:30 PM EST, with the Wildcats aiming to continue their climb up the national ladder and solidify their spot among the NAIA's best.
Stats: https://cumberlandspatriots.com/sidearmstats/football/summary
Video: https://cumberlandspatriots.com/watch/?Live=1118&type=Live
Tickets: https://secure.touchnet.net/C20564_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=60
The Match-up:
The game marks two squads going in different directions. Bethel is 3- 2 overall and 2-0 in the MSC. The Wildcats have won three straight. The Patriots are 3-4 and 0-3. UC has lost three in a row.
It will be the 13th meeting between the two programs with the series tied at 6-6. Bethel has won the last three games between the programs, including a 28-17 victory last year in McKenzie.
Last Week:
Cats:
The Wildcats enjoyed an off week after beating Cumberland 28-24 the previous week.
Pats:
The Patriots lost 36-35 in overtime at home to Lindsey Wilson.
The Match-up & Did You Know?
The programs first met in 2001.
Bethel is 2-5 all-time in Williamsburg and 4-1 in games played in McKenzie.
The Wildcats average 26.3 points per game and yield 17.0 per outing. The Cats average 97.8 rushing and 248.8 passing yards per game. Run defense has been outstanding allowing just 78.0 yards per game. Opponents are averaging 191.5 yards in passing yards.
The Patriots are averaging 32.1 points and yielding 31.1 points on defense. UC is averaging 184.9 rushing yards per outing and allowing 163.4 yards on the ground per game. The Pats average 240.5 in the air while opponents are averaging 161.4in passing yards against the UC defense.
Bethel is 156-190 all -time in overall play in the modern-day era.
2025 Athletic Hall-of-Fame Induction & Alumni Awards Ceremonies to Take Place October 31
Bethel University will honor three former athletic greats and a contributor with inductions into the prestigious Bethel Athletic Hall-of-Fame Friday October 31. Bethel will also present the Bethel University's Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Alumni Awards and Athletic Hall-of-Fame Inductions will be held in the board room of the Vera Low Center for Student Enrichment, Crisp Wing. The awards dinner will begin at 6 p.m. with reservations required.
It will mark the 45th class to be honored. Six teams and 119 individuals will have been enshrined since 1980.
Here is a look at the 2025 Athletic Hall-of Fame Class:
Brent Buchanan -Men's Basketball (1991)
Caleb Hardy -Men's Basketball (2015)
Tayla Foster-Women's Basketball (2015)
Dr. Roger Johnson- Contributor (Augustana College -61)
Order tickets at:
https://www.bethelathletics.com/tickets
Coaches:
Bethel:
Coach Chris Springer is in his first season as Head Football Coach at Bethel University in
2024-25. He is in his ninth year on the Bethel football staff, having previously served as
Defensive Coordinator, Associate Head Coach, and Recruiting Coordinator. Over the course of his tenure, Springer has helped the Wildcats break multiple team and school defensive records, establishing Bethel as one of the premier defensive programs in the NAIA.
Since joining the staff in 2017, Springer engineered one of the most consistent and
opportunistic defenses in the NAIA. His first season saw the Wildcats finish 3rd in the nation in takeaways with 26, setting the tone for years of sustained excellence.
Springer has developed multiple All-Conference and All-American defensive players during his time at Bethel. He mentored Brandon Moore, an NAIA All-American and Cliff Harris Award finalist, who led the nation in passes defended. Springer also coached Devious Christmon, a first-team All-Conference performer who earned an NFL rookie mini-camp invitation with the Indianapolis Colts and graduated as one of the program's all-time leaders in interceptions.
Before Bethel, Springer coached at Georgia Military College in the spring of 2017. From
2014–2016, he was on staff at Western Kentucky University, serving as a defensive assistant and cornerbacks' coach. During his time there, the Hilltoppers won two Conference USA championships and three consecutive bowl games. He began his coaching career in 2013 at Eastern New Mexico University, where he coached wide receivers and helped the program earn
its first winning season since 2004 and first Lone Star Conference title since 1991.
As a player, Springer was a four-year letterman and team captain as a defensive back at Bethel and Lindenwood University. He earned his bachelor's degree in physical education from Lindenwood in 2013 and a master's degree in sports recreation and administration from Western Kentucky University in 2017.
A native of Bartlett, Tennessee, Coach Springer lives in Lexington with his wife Megan and their daughters Chandler and Sydney.
UC:
Shaun Housekeeper is in his fourth season as head coach of the Patriots. He is 19-18 with the Patriots.
Bethel University athletics extends a special thanks to its Golden Sponsors this year:
Nicky Joe Stafford Real Estate
West Tennessee Public Utility District
Smith and Smith Optometry
Trevathan's Electrical Services
Carroll Bank and Trust
Anchor Transportation
Centennial Bank
Carroll County Lumber Company
Hometown Health Care
Joe Mahan Ford of Paris
Hometown Health Clinic
PESPI MIDAMERICA/ DR. PEPPER
The Perkins Corporation
Tri-County Publishing
Wayne Halfway House Inc. (Waynesboro, Tenn.)
RAEKAR
Next Week:
The Wildcats return home on November 1 when they host Georgetown on Homecoming. It will be a 1:30 p.m. kickoff.
Watch a Game Preview later at www.bethelathletics.com