Second Half Outburst by Patriots proves too Much for the Wildcats
WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. -The Bethel Wildcats returned to the road Saturday visiting the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky. It was the first MSC divisional game for both squads. After the Wildcats held their own in the first half, the Patriots proved why they are the nation's leading scoring team at 59.0 points per game. A second half scoring binge by CU was too much for the Wildcats to overcome as Bethel would lose 47-15.
Bethel took a first quarter lead on an Austin Abbott 32-yard field goal. The kick at the 5:57 mark topped off a nine play 51-yard drive.
That score held until Ben Nixon hit Eli Evans on a two-yard pass to give the Patriots the lead. Trip Holloway's point after gave UC a 7-3 lead with 2:09 left in the half. After turning the Wildcats over, the Pats scored with four seconds left. Nixon connected on a seven-yard pass to Devin Jones to make it 14-3 at the half.
Devious Christmon picked off a Patriot pass in the third. The interception appeared to give the Cats renewed energy as they drove the ball 73 yards for a score. De'Ontay Tate capped the drive off with a two-yard run to make it 14-9. Abbott's point after failed and UC led 14-9.
Nixon put the Pats up 21-9 at the 6:09 mark of the third with a one-yard scamper. The score was a prelude of what was to come in the quarter. Devin Jones ran two yards four minutes later and Bethel trailed 27-9. Bethel fought back with a Nolan Chowbay strike to James Dixon from 65 yards out. The Bethel two-point conversion failed, and it was 27-15 with 1:32 left in the quarter.
Nixon scored again on a short run early in the fourth quarter and CU led 33-17 after the point after failed. With 11:51 left, Brandon Stuckey scored on a five-yard run and Bethel trailed 40-15. Jamar Nuby would add a late score on a short touchdown run and CU led 47-15.
Bethel had a 253-103 margin in passing yards, but UC had a 219-129 advantage in rushing yards.
Chowbay was 14-of-29 in the air for 252 yards. He threw for one touchdown but threw three interceptions on the night. Tate had 119 yards on 16 carries. Dieuly Aristilde caught six passes for 97 yards. Jakobe Griffin led Bethel with eight total tackles. Jerwin Young had two sacks.
Both squads struggled with penalties. Bethel had 12 for 104 yards. UC had 10 for 103 yards.
The Wildcats return home Saturday to meet MSC rival Georgetown at noon.
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