NORTH NEWTON, KAN. - The #9 ranked Bethel Threshers will travel to Kansas City, Mo. this weekend to take on the #24 ranked Avila Eagles. Each team is coming off big wins, as Avila beat #15 Kansas Wesleyan 18-14 and Bethel took down #6 Southwestern 31-23 last week. Both defensive back Trey Palmer and quarterback DJ Ciers were named KCAC players of the week for their performances in the win over Southwestern.
Avila comes into the weekend with a 5-1 record, with wins against Tabor, Ottawa, Bethany, Sterling, and Kansas Wesleyan; their lone loss came against Southwestern three weeks ago. The Eagles average 30.7 points and 348.2 yards a game. Eli Williams leads the Eagles in passing with 860 yards, while Malik Nesbitt leads the team in rushing yards with 434. Senior Linebacker Nik Furlow leads the team in tackles with 34 through six games.
In Avila's previous game against Kansas Wesleyan, Maxwell Webber led the Eagles with eight total tackles from the defensive back spot. Linebacker Joey Mars finished just behind him with seven. Avila was dominant in the time of possession category, leading by nearly 20 minutes. The time of possession number was the primary catalyst in the Eagles coming out on top, with them only leading in total offensive yards by 53.
Bethel comes into this matchup with a 6-0 record. These wins include a pair of top-10 victories over Kansas Wesleyan and Southwestern. Kansas Wesleyan was ranked #9 when the Threshers beat them by a score of 30-24 just four weeks ago. The Southwestern Moundbuilders were ranked #6 when the Threshers beat them last week by a score of 31-23. The Threshers are averaging 32.2 points a contest and 257 rushing yards a night. They've rushed for 1,542 yards of offense, and their defense has allowed only 588 on the season. Bethel has also converted 38% of their third downs and 53% of their fourth downs.
Through six weeks, quarterback DJ Ciers leads the Threshers in both rushing and passing with 402 yards rushing and 743 yards passing. Ciers also has 16 total touchdowns on the year. Brayden Francis leads the team in receiving with 233 receiving yards and three touchdowns, while Josh Seabolt leads the team in tackles with 54.
The Threshers have taken down the Eagles the past three times they've met, with Bethel winning by a combined score of 142-78. In last year's matchup, Bethel posted 54 points and gave up 20. Bethel compiled 581 total yards, with 438 being rushing yards. Josh Seabolt had a typical performance, finishing with 11 tackles to lead the defense. Former Bethel running back Camryn Harrison outrushed Chantz Scurry by 5 yards to lead the team with 113 yards. Avila finished with only 242 yards of offense, with Malik Nesbitt leading the Eagles in rushing with 70 yards. Jose Bautista led the Eagles in tackles with 11 and forced two fumbles.
When each team enters ZARDA Multisport Complex this weekend for the 1:00 pm kickoff, they'll have plenty on the line. With Bethel fighting to stay alone at the top of the KCAC and Avila trying to knock off a top 10 team in the nation. You can purchase tickets at the gate in Kansas City or catch the action live on the KCAC network at KCACNetwork.com/Bethel.
