Annual Purple/Gold Game to Take Place Saturday at Walter Butler Stadium
MCKENZIE, Tenn. – Spring practice is over and now fans can get an early preview of the 2026 football Cats. Saturday afternoon at Walter Butler Stadium in McKenzie it will be the Annual Spring Purple/Gold Game with kick-off to take place at 3 p.m.
The Cat Walk which will feature the Wildcats, the coaching staff, cheer team, and the Renaissance Band, is slated for 1:30 p.m.
Saturday will be Bound Day on the campus of Bethel.
A ten-game slate includes five home games with the season opener at home against close neighbor Lane College on August 29th. Kick-off in Walter Butler Stadium will be at 6 p.m. The Cats and the Dragons will meet next year in nearby Jackson.
An attractive home schedule includes, along with Lane, games against powerhouse Keiser University, old foe Faulkner University, Cumberlands (Ky.), and Campbellsville University.
Three MSC road games find the Wildcats traveling to Georgetown College, Lindsey Wilson University, and long-time opponent Cumberland University. It will be the 30th meeting in a series which sees the Phoenix holding a 16-13 advantage. Two non-conference road games await the Cats as they travel to Webber International on September 19 and Pikeville on September 26.
Homecoming will be celebrated on October 17 when the Cats host the University of the Cumberlands. Senior Day will be on October 31st as the Cats play Campbellsville University.
Coach Chris Springer commented, "I cannot be prouder of our student athletes, support staff, and coaches who have worked extremely hard this spring ensure our standards and systems remain in place. The process has been high energy, competitive, and demanding but a very enjoyable spring as well."
Springer added, "Our staff is excited to see progress at our spring showcase on Saturday. It will be a day filled with competition and situational scrimmage work. For fans, it will be a great opportunity to get an early look at the 2026 Wildcats."