Sterling, Kan. – The Bethany College Swedes took the road to Sterling, Kan. to take on the Sterling College Warriors. The Swedes were looking for their second victory in a row after taking down the University of Saint Mary Spires 32-31 last week.
Both teams would go scoreless in the first quarter as both defenses had standout moments. The Warriors jumped on the board first by way of a big run in the second quarter to go up 7-0. Following a couple sacks and a safety, Sterling jumped their lead up to 9-0. The Swedes jumped on the board late in the second half as Damian Briano connected with Lael Eddens on a 26-yard touchdown pass with nine seconds left to cut the deficit to 9-7.
The Swedes would open the second half with a touchdown as Briano found Jamarie Jackson for a 23-yard touchdown to take the lead 14-9. In the fourth, Luis Gonzalez would extend the lead to 17-9 with a 40-yard field goal. Unfortunately, the Warriors would punch one in from one yard out to tie it right before the end of regulation leading to overtime.
In the extra period, Sterling would start on offense a score from one yard out to go up 24-17 following the successful extra point attempt. Bethany would match in scoring as Ryker Grossner would snag a 13-yard touchdown from Briano that would take replay to confirm, but the snap on the extra-point attempt was short and the Swedes were unable to get it off leading to the Swedes falling 23-24 in overtime.
Damian Briano threw for a career-high 206 yards and three touchdowns. Jamarie Jackson led the Swedes with 62 yards receiving on three catches. Ryker Grossner led Bethany in catches with six for 55 yards.
On defense, Xabien Moses led the way with 13 total tackles including eight solo tackles. Noah Penunuri tallied 10 total tackles with seven of them being solo. Nathan Wilson recorded an interception to go along with five tackles. Khalil Ali and Jeiki Williams each recovered a fumble.
The Swedes struggled on the ground tonight as 44 of their 250 offensive yards came from the ground attack. Bethany recorded zero turnovers given up while forcing three themselves.
Up Next…
The Swedes are set to host the Southwestern Moundbuilders next Saturday, September 26. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM as Bethany is set to begin the rest of their football games in the afternoon.
