North Newton, Kan. — Football College edged out Avila University 20-17 to maintain their perfect season, improving to 4-0 on the year and 4-0 in the KCAC.

First Half

The game kicked off under the lights at 6:15 PM after a short rain delay, with Avila (1-3, 1-3) taking an early lead thanks to a 32-yard field goal. Avila extended their advantage in the second quarter, as Quentin Curtis capped a 15-play, 85-yard drive with an 8-yard touchdown run, putting Bethel in a 10-0 hole. Bethel responded swiftly as DJ Ciers connected with Carson Allen for a 10-yard touchdown midway through the second quarter, narrowing the gap to 10-7. Just before halftime, Ciers found Larry Cherry in the end zone for a 3-yard touchdown, giving Bethel a 13-10 lead.

Second Half

Avila reclaimed the lead in the third quarter, as quarterback Eli Williams darted into the end zone from 13 yards out. Bethel's defense, however, stiffened and kept the Eagles from extending their advantage.The decisive moment came in the fourth quarter when Ciers launched a 54-yard touchdown pass to Josiah Buller, giving Bethel a 20-17 lead with just under nine minutes remaining. The defense then sealed the win, with Tate Seabolt intercepting Williams in the redzone.

Bethel's offense was led by Torriano Richardson, who rushed for 122 yards on 24 carries, while Ciers threw for 121 yards and three touchdowns. The defense, spearheaded by Tate Seabolt and Colton McCarty, who contributed a sack and a tackle for loss, held strong against Avila's rushing attack, which gained 185 yards.

Next Game: Bethel (4-0, 4-0 KCAC) travels to Kansas Wesleyan next Saturday at 6 PM