Wildcats Continue to Set Records with Win at Campbellsville
COULMBIA, Ky. –The No.9 Bethel Wildcats ran their record to 9-1 overall and 4-1 in the MSC with a 36-14 road win at Campbellsville Saturday. Bethel improved to 4-0 on the road on the season.
The Tigers dropped to 4-5 and 2-3.
The game marked the 20th meeting between the two programs with the series now tied at 10-10.
The Wildcats opened the game with a time-consuming drive but had to settle for a 26-yard field goal by Andrew Welch. After a drive and score by the Tigers, the Cats answered to make it a 7-6 game on a 29-yard field goal by Welch.
The second quarter saw the Cats take the lead again. After a Campbellsville turnover the Wildcats scored as Joaquin Collazo hit Jaylen Taylor from four yards out to give Bethel a 13-7 lead. Another turnover by the Tigers led to a short drive and a score when Collazo found Avont Burris for a 14-yard strike and the Cats took a 20-7 lead at the half.
A third quarter safety by Bethel upped their lead to 22-7. A fumble by Campbellsville led to another Bethel score. A 45-yard drive was capped off by a Martize Smith four- yard touchdown scamper. Bethel grabbed a 29-7 lead with 9:16 left in the third quarter. Campbellsville scored with just over four minutes left in the third to cut the Wildcat lead to 29-14.
The Cat defense stepped up big early in the fourth quarter holding the Tigers on a fourth down play at the Wildcat seven. The Wildcat offense then did their job with a seven play 93- yard four-minute drive that gave Bethel a 36-14 margin. The drive ended with J. D. Dixon catching a 44-yard touchdown pass from Collazo.
Bethel finished with 254 yards passing and 144 yards rushing.
By the Numbers & Another Record Setting Day:
J.D Dixon- Nine receptions for 163 yards
Dixon's touchdown reception was 15th on season which ties him for most in a season. Isaiah Hookfin had 15 in 2003.
Demetrice Gilbert's interception gave him 17 career picks which is the most in program history.
Brian Hughes and Javonte Carter had key interceptions.
Martize Smith had 18 carries for a game high 96 yards.
Joaquin Collazo was 24-of-34 in passing for 254 yards and three touchdowns.
Darrien Lewis led Bethel with 14 total tackles and a fumble recovery. Brody Franks, Nelson Louis, Tim Hamilton and Quinterion Winn also had fumble recoveries.
The five fumble recoveries set a record for most in a single game.
Kicker Andrew Welch has two field goals and four extra points giving him 10 points on the day. Welch now has 93 points on the season which is a new single season game mark.
Coach Michael Jasper said it is hard winning, but his young men are finding ways to do just that. "It's not easy to win college football games and I'm proud of our guys battling and finding a way. That's a really good team we beat today and had to face a good bit of adversity to get the job done. I'm excited for another game back in Wildcat Stadium, in front of the best fans in the NAIA."
Next Week:
The Wildcats will return home Saturday for their regular season finale. They meet Lindsey Wilson at 1:30 p.m. with Senior ceremonies beginning in the pregame. Watch for details and Game Notes on the game later at www.bethelathletics.com