WINFIELD, Kan. - The Bethel College defense stood tall when it mattered most as they held No. 14 Southwestern to 16 points under their season average in their 20-13 victory.
 
After a scoreless first 15 minutes, the Threshers struck first with a 12-yard pass from DJ Ciers to Jacob Reyes. Carson Sauseda's point after attempt was blocked.
 
The Moundbuilders punched in a 3-yard rush just before the half and had their point after attempt blocked as well as the contest entered the intermission tied at 6-6.
 
Brenden Sanders, who seems to always show up big in the biggest games, picked off a Moundbuilder pass in the first possession of the second half and returned it 65 yards for a touchdown. Giving Bethel the 13-6 lead with putting the offense on the field in the third quarter.
 
Southwestern once again answered the Bethel points with points of their own. This time, they were able to run one in from two yards out evening the score 13-13.
 
Following a Moundbuilder turnover on downs halfway through the fourth quarter, the Thresher offense put together a 6-play, 67-yard scoring drive. The drive was capped off by quite possibly the play of the year for Thresher Football as Mario Quintero broke four tackles and tight roped the sideline on his way to a 41-yard touchdown reception.
 
With Southwestern driving, the Thresher defense stood tall once again shutting down a 12-play drive and forcing the second straight turnover on downs as Robin Neely broke up a pass over the middle near the goal line.
 
Bethel's defense held the Moundbuilders to just 52 total yards rushing while recording two sacks and an interception.
 
DJ Ciers threw for 151 yards and two touchdowns while throwing two interceptions. He led the Thresher ground game racking up 100 yards on 22 carries, pushing him over the 1,000 rushing yard mark for the season.
 
Frank Driscoll, Rodrick Edwards and Doug Grider recorded 10 tackles each to lead the Thresher defense in the contest.
 
Bethel will be back in action on Saturday, October 28th as they host the Friends Falcons with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 PM at Thresher Stadium.
 
  Read Full Article