Posted: Oct 12, 2024

Comeback Comes Up Short as Cats Fall at Cumberland University

LEBANON, Tenn. –Trailing 21-7 in the fourth quarter, the No. 4 Bethel Wildcats mounted a comeback but, in the end, fell short falling to Cumberland University 21-14 in Lebanon Saturday.

Bethel dropped to 5-1 overall and 1-1 in the Mid-South Conference. The Phoenix improved to 5-1 and 1-1 in the league.

Cumberland took a 7-0 lead at the 2:46 mark of the second quarter. The Wildcats tied the game with 1:09 left in the half on a touchdown pass from Ben Nixon to Shawne Jones.

The Phoenix scored two unanswered touchdowns in the third quarter to take the 21-7 margin after three.

With 10:39 left in the game, Bethel's Kade Hewitt scored from a yard out to cut the Cat deficit to 21-14.

The Cats mounted another drive late in the game and moved to CU's 21 yard line but failed to convert and the Phoenix ran the clock out to hold on for the win.

Bethel struggled converting on just three of 12 third down conversion attempts.

Cumberland outgained the Wildcats 384-261 in total offense.

The Wildcats had 200 of those yards on the ground. Ben Nixon led Bethel with 84 yards. Jordan Cason had 77 yards on seven carries.

Jeremiah Bryant was the key to CU's offense rushing for 100 yards.

Brody Franks led Bethel's defense with 11 total tackles. Jaylon Beasley and Darrien Lewis had 10 tackles each for the Wildcats.

The victory snapped Bethel's three game win streak in the series which CU leads 16-12.

It was the 336^th game in modern day history for the Wildcats. Bethel is 150-186 all-time.

Coach Michael Jasper commented on the tough loss. "We are proud of the way our guys fought today. Cumberland is a tough opponent, and they always have their guys ready to play against us. My hat is off to them. I have to do a better job in preparing our guys for tough games. The kids faced a lot of adversity this week and with the travel and lot of uncontrollables they had to play through. I have to do my part in making sure we are ready to execute no matter what."

Did You Know?

The Bethel University Sports Information Office announced that the 2024 Football Media Guide is now available on the Bethel Athletic website.

For complete information on the team, coaches, schedule, and all you need about the Cats, visit:

https://www.calameo.com/bethel-university/read/0033163750d3030c93eff

Golden Boosters and sponsors for Bethel Athletics this year are:

Bethel University athletics extends a special thanks to its Golden Sponsors this year:

Nicky Joe Stafford Real Estate

West Tennessee Public Utility District

Smith and Smith Optometry

Trevathan's Electrical Services

Carroll Bank and Trust

Anchor Transportation