Cat Turnovers Prove to be Too Much to Overcome

MCKENZIE, Tenn. – The Bethel Wildcats went into Saturday's Homecoming game versus Thomas More knowing they needed a win to keep postseason hopes alive. After giving No. 1 Lindsey Wilson all they wanted last week, the Cats could not overcome seven turnovers in their 24-14 loss to the Saints.

Bethel dropped to 6-4 overall and 3-3 in the Mid-South Conference. The Saints improved to 5-4 and 4-2.

The TMU win evened the series between the two at 2-2.

Saint kicker Alexander Haley hit a 25-yard field goal to open the scoring with 1:34 remaining in the first quarter to give the Saints a 3-0 lead after one.

TMU's Chaz Lumpkin intercepted a Bethel pass and returned it 85 yards to give the Saints a 10-0 lead with 13:57 left in the half.

Bethel's Anthony Hughes scored on a one yard run to cut into the TMU lead. Luis Morales converted on the point after, and Bethel trailed 10-7 with 7:30 left in the half.

The Saints answered with a four-yard touchdown run to give TMU a 17-7 lead at the break.

The Saints opened the third impressively with a 60-yard drive capped off by a Blaine Espinosa 18-yard pass to Charles Gaines Jr. for a score giving TMU a 24-7 margin.

Bethel stayed in the game with a Nolan Chowbay TD pass to James Dixon to pull the Cats to within 10 at 24-14 at the end of three.  

Bethel had their chances but two crucial interceptions by the Saints sealed Bethel's fate. TMU picked off six Bethel passes and recovered a Wildcat fumble.  Bethel simply could not overcome their mistakes.

The Wildcats had a 317 -159 margin in passing yards. TMU outrushed the Wildcats 196-166.

Ray'Quan Wilson had seven receptions for 98 yards. Dixon caught six passes for 125 yards. De'Ontay Tate had 71 yards rushing giving hm 3, 292 yards in his career. He is fourth on Bethel's all-time rushing list.

Brody Franks led Bethel with 11 total tackles. Vonte Bates followed with 10 stops. Jakobe Griffin had seven total tackles.

Coach Michael Jasper said in his postgame radio interview, "We simply made too many mistakes. You cannot and will not beat a good football team making that many mistakes. We had our chances but could not sustain any kind of rhythm on offense and despite playing hard on defense we did not get a couple of stops when we really needed them." Coach Jasper added, "I still love my kids and still believe in our program. We will strap them back on and prepare for our Senior Day game versus Campbellsville next week."

The Wildcats host the Tigers Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Senior Day ceremonies will take place before the game.