Wildcats Win Overtime Thriller over No. 16 Georgetown, 26–23

MCKENZIE, Tenn. - The Bethel Wildcats delivered one of their most dramatic wins of the season Saturday afternoon, defeating No.16 Georgetown 26–23 in overtime at Walter Butler Stadium. With the victory, Bethel moved to 4–3 on the year, while handing Georgetown its third loss of the season. The Tigers dropped to 5-3 and 2-2 in the league. The Cats are 3-1 in the MSC.

The Wildcats struck first with a momentum-changing defensive play, as Durrell Miller intercepted a pass and sprinted 41 yards for a touchdown late in the first quarter. Zachary Clutch's extra point made it 7–0 Bethel. Clutch later extended the lead with a booming 47-yard field goal, but Georgetown responded with a 68-yard touchdown run from Jarren Johnson, cutting the lead to 10–7 at halftime.

The visiting Tigers appeared to seize control in the third quarter, scoring 13 unanswered points behind a 19-yard touchdown pass from Gehrig Slunaker to Colin Bratcher and a pair of field goals from Nate Craft, pushing the score to 20–10 entering the fourth.

But Bethel refused to fold. Running back Ryan Kirk capped a grinding 75-yard drive with a 12-yard touchdown run early in the final quarter to make it 20–17. Then, with just three seconds remaining, Clutch drilled a 41-yard field goal to tie the game and send it to overtime.

In the extra period, Georgetown regained the lead on a 40-yard field goal from Craft, but the Wildcats had the final answer. Kirk powered into the end zone from seven yards out to complete the comeback and seal the 26–23 win.

Bethel finished with 285 yards of total offense on 73 plays, while Georgetown totaled 321 yards. The Wildcats' defense came up big, forcing two interceptions—including Miller's pick-six and another by Tyson Hornbuckle—and holding Georgetown scoreless in the fourth quarter.

Clutch was perfect on the day, connecting on both field goals (47 and 41 yards) and both PATs, earning him player-of-the-game honors. Offensively, Ray Harvey led Bethel with 10 receptions for 77 yards, while Jordan Cason added 67 yards rushing.

The Wildcats return to Mid-South Conference play next Saturday, traveling to face Campbellsville University, carrying momentum from a hard-fought home win that showcased Bethel's toughness, defense, and clutch execution.