STERLING, Kan. — The Sterling College Warriors defeated Bethel College 17-14 on Saturday, shutting out the visitors in the second half to secure the victory. Sterling forced two turnovers, including an interception and a fumble recovery, while holding Bethel scoreless after halftime.
Sterling opened the game with a promising drive into Bethel territory, but the possession ended on downs at the Bethel 44-yard line. Bethel responded with a long drive that included two fourth-down conversions before Xavier Craven scored on a 4-yard touchdown run. Raymond Escobedo’s extra point gave Bethel a 7-0 lead.
The Warriors answered late in the first quarter after Sterling’s defense stopped Bethel on consecutive short-yardage runs. Steven Werking capitalized on the opportunity with a 12-yard touchdown run, and Nicholas Trepton‘s extra point tied the game at 7-7.
Sterling took its first lead early in the second quarter after Brevyn Campbell recovered a fumble by Brady Norman. Werking finished the ensuing drive with a 7-yard touchdown run, and Emmanuel Roman‘s extra point put the Warriors ahead 14-7.
Bethel responded with a touchdown pass from Norman to Jaxson Daniels, tying the game at 14-14 with 6:31 remaining in the first half. Both teams had additional scoring opportunities before the break, but neither could capitalize, sending the game into halftime tied.
Sterling’s defense controlled the third quarter, forcing multiple punts and preventing Bethel from reaching the end zone. The Warriors continued to move the ball offensively but were unable to add to their lead during the scoreless quarter.
The decisive play came in the fourth quarter when Ryan Morgan intercepted Norman at the Bethel 16-yard line. Sterling capitalized on the turnover as Roman connected on a 29-yard field goal with 3:49 remaining, giving the Warriors a 17-14 advantage.
Bethel threatened to tie the game on its next possession, advancing to the Sterling 19-yard line on a 42-yard completion from Norman to Josiah Buller. However, Sterling’s defense held firm. Dutton Taylor recorded a key tackle for loss before Escobedo missed a 32-yard field goal attempt wide left.
Sterling regained possession with 1:37 remaining and converted a key third down to maintain control of the ball and secure the 17-14 victory.
Werking completed 13 of 22 passes for 141 yards and added two rushing touchdowns to lead the Warriors offensively. Kevin Jones led Sterling’s receiving corps with four receptions for 89 yards.
Defensively, Kenny Dominguez recorded 13 tackles and forced a fumble, while Morgan finished with eight tackles and an interception. Campbell also contributed a fumble recovery, and Taylor made several key stops in the second half.
Sterling will travel to Winfield, Kansas, to face Southwestern College on Saturday, Oct. 17. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
For the latest news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics, follow the Warriors on Facebook at SCWarriors, on X at @SterlingCSports, and on Instagram at @sterlingcsports. Follow #SwordsUp and watch live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.
