No. 8 Wildcats Closeout Regular Season on Senior Day Beating No. 11 Lindsey Wilson

MCKENZIE, Tenn. After two straight road victories, the Bethel Wildcats returned home Saturday to face No.11 Lindsey Wilson in the regular season finales for both squads.

It was Senior Day at Wildcat Stadium with football and cheer seniors honored before the game. Band seniors were saluted and recognized at halftime.

The Wildcats moved out to a 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. Joaquin Collazo III found Jaylen Taylor twice with touchdown passes.

 Collazo hit J.D. Dixon on a 34-yard strike in the second stanza and the Wildcats took a 21-0 lead into the half.

Collazo and Taylor teamed up again in the third quarter to give the Wildcats a 27-0 margin.

Noel Patterson returned a returned a punt for 32 yards in the fourth quarter for Bethel's final score.

The Blue Raiders only score came in the fourth when quarterback Ethan Cash and Decarious Frazier Jr. connected on a 49- yard pass play. David Gardner Jr. converted on a two-point rushing attempt to make the final score 34-8.

Collazo was 15-of-19 with 219 yards. Martize Smith had a game high 102 rushing yards on 17 carries. Terrance Roberts finished with 67 yards on 11 attempts.

Dixon caught five passes for 87 yards. Taylor had six receptions for 79 yards.

The Wildcats had 409 yards in the game while the Raiders were held to 246 by the Wildcat defense.

On the defensive side, Darrien Lewis had an interception for the Wildcats that set up Bethel's second score. Brody Franks led the Cats with 12 total tackles. Brian Hughes followed with 10 total stops. Timothy Hamiton was credited with three sacks.

The Wildcats moved to 10-1 overall and 5-1 in the league. The Blue Raiders dropped to 7-3 and 4-2.

It was the 499th game in program history with Bethel's record at 204- 287 -8.

Coach Michael Jasper commented, "I am extremely proud of the way our young men handled things today. The guys played lights out against a really solid opponent. I am excited to see what's in store for us moving forward."

The Wildcats will officially learn their postseason status with the NAIA2023-24 Selection Show Sundayat 6 p.m.

The show will premiere on the NAIA YouTube Channel and the link will be posted on the NAIA Twitter and Facebook page at the appointed time.

Coach Jasper and the football squad will gather to watch the show in Crisp Arena. Fans and supporters are invited to join the Wildcats for the show.