North Newton, Kan. — October 26, 2024

Bethel College football team faced a challenging opponent in nationally ranked Southwestern, ultimately falling 41-14 in a hard-fought contest. 

First Half: Strong Start, But Southwestern Pulls Ahead

Bethel opened the game with a balanced offensive drive, moving 94 yards over 15 plays. The drive finished in a 2-yard touchdown run by Torrie Curry, tying the score 7-7. Bethel's defense held Southwestern briefly, but Southwestern capitalized on field position in the second quarter, scoring three consecutive touchdowns, including a 43-yard hail mary to end the halff. Despite solid rushing from Torriano Richardson and passing connections between DJ Ciers and Kenyon McMillan, Bethel went into halftime trailing 27-7.

Second Half: Bethel Fights, But Southwestern Seals the Game

Bethel's defense stepped up in the third quarter, keeping Southwestern off the scoreboard, with Reese Bennett recording a key sack. On offense, the Threshers struggled to find momentum until early in the fourth quarter when quarterback Ethan Cook connected with Larry Cherry for a 16-yard touchdown, narrowing the gap to 27-14.

Southwestern responded quickly, scoring twice more to close out the game. Despite Bethel's efforts, including plays from Jared Givens, who added an interception return of 23 yards, and Colton McCarty on defense, Southwestern's offensive consistency sealed their win. Cook finished with 109 passing yards, and Richardson led Bethel's ground game with 80 yards on 17 carries.