NORTH NEWTON, Kan. — Battling through cold and rainy conditions at Thresher Stadium, Bethel College football came up short against visiting Bethany, 25–14, on Saturday afternoon.

The Swedes struck early, capitalizing on a blocked punt return and a long touchdown run to build a 12–0 first-quarter lead. Bethel's defense settled in after the slow start, with Amerdid Marial picking off two passes to help keep the Threshers within reach heading into halftime.

After the break, Bethany extended its advantage to 19–0, but Bethel answered midway through the third quarter. The Threshers pieced together their best drive of the game, marching 64 yards on eight plays and capping it with a four-yard touchdown run from Noah Miller. Larry Cherry, scored on a reverse for the 2 point conversion to cut the deficit to 19–8.

In the closing minutes, Larry Cherry provided another spark (lining up at quarterback) — this time breaking loose for an 80-yard touchdown run after taking a direct snap out of the backfield. The explosive play brought the Threshers within striking distance at 25–14, but time ran out on the comeback bid.

Cherry finished with 104 rushing yards on just two carries, while Houston Herrin added 55 yards on the ground and threw for 36. Tristan LeBlanc and Miller combined for another 79 yards rushing as Bethel totaled 225 on the ground — matching Bethany's rushing total in a hard-fought trench battle.

Defensively, Marial led the Threshers with 10 total tackles and two interceptions, while Frank Driscoll added a sack and multiple tackles for loss.

Bethel (2–6, 0–2 KCAC) returns home next weekend for Senior Day, hosting Avila University on Saturday, November 1, at 1:00 PM inside Thresher Stadium.