Lindsborg, Kan. – The Bethany College Swedes football team played host to the University of Saint Mary Spires in an interdivisional KCAC match-up.
The Spires jumped on the board first after capitalizing on a Swedes’ first drive fumble. Bethany would answer back on the following possession as Kendrick Hawkins would punch in in from the one-yard line, but the Swedes would miss the extra-point attempt leaving the score 6-7. In the second quarter, Trevyn Adams would score his first of two scores to put the Swedes up 12-7. The Spires would rattle off nine points by way of a touchdown, extra point, and a safety to end the half up 16-12.
Saint Mary would open the second half with possession, but that did not last long as Khalil Ali would intercept a pass and take it back to the Saint Mary 32-yard line. Seven plays later, Damian Briano would connect with Lael Eddens for their first score on the contest putting the Swedes up 19-16.
The fourth quarter started to look meek as the Spires scored 15 points taking a 31-19 lead with momentum in full swing their way. But, as momentum usually does, it swung back in favor of the Swedes at the very end. Briano would capitalize on a free play connecting with Eddens again, this time for a 75-yard touchdown. Following a three-and-out, the Bethany offense would score again as Trevyn Adams scored his second touchdown of the contest to put the Swedes up 32-31 with 2:14 left to play. The Spires would punt on their very next possession, but would not receive the ball back again as the Swedes needed just one first down before taking a couple knees to end it with the Swedes first victory of the young season.
Damian Briano got his first action all season and went the distance throwing for 134 yards and two touchdowns. Kendrick Hawkins carved up the Spires defense with 134 yards rushing and a touchdown. Trevyn Adams scored twice while rushing for 49 yards. Lael Eddens caught four balls for 105 yards and two touchdowns.
On defense, Noah Penunuri racked up 14 total tackles with two of them being for loss. Cooper Bogenhagen was active on defense tallying 9 total tackles.
As a team, the Swedes outgained the Spires 377 yards to 222. Both teams were perfect from fourth-down territory with the Swedes going three-for-three. Bethany ran the ball 59 times for an average gain of 4.1 yards. Penalties were not in favor of the Swedes as they racked up 163 yards on 19 penalties.
Up Next…
The Swedes are set to take on the Sterling College Warriors next weekend, Saturday, September 19, for the Swedes final evening game of the year. Kickoff is set for 6:00 PM.
