SWEDES FALL TO (20) COYOTES

Salina, Kan. - The Bethany College Swedes took the road to Salina, Kansas to face another top-25 team, the Kansas Wesleyan University Coyotes in a contest that was moved up to 10am due to potential heat index projections.

Things did not start off well for the Swedes as the Coyotes would score on just the second offensive play of the day on a read option in which the quarterback kept the ball and raced untouched to the endzone to put the Coyotes up 7-0. After the opening drive, the Swedes' defense was stout for the rest of the half giving up just 114 yards on 7 drives. Offensively, Bethany couldn't get anything going in the first half until the final drive of the half. During that drive, Kansas Wesleyan thought they could get the ball back one more time by calling a timeout due to holding the Swedes to 3 yards on first down. 2 plays later, Jacob Madu would fight through a defensive pass interference penalty to make a remarkable catch along the sideline to spark the Bethany offense. The Swedes would come up empty on the drive after a valiant attempt to put points on the board was dropped in the endzone leaving the Swedes no time to run on the field and attempt a field goal. Bethany would trail 10-0 at the half. 

In the third quarter, Bethany would be the lone team to score off a made field goal by Ryan Morales that went a distance of 23 yards. Kansas Wesleyan would them fumble on the very next play from scrimmage gifting the Swedes the ball on the Coyote's 41-yard line. The Swedes would trot out the field goal team, but an errant snap lead to the holder being tackled for a 10-yard loss fourth down attempt. In the fourth, Kansas Wesleyan's quarterback would score two more on the ground and once through the air to seal the victory 31-3. 

Landry Shields led the passing attack for Bethany with 103 yards through the air while adding 5 yards on the ground. Zamarion Spencer would lead the Swedes in rushing attempts (25) and yards (41). Jacob Madu would lead the receiving corps for both teams with 7 catches for 62 yards. Ryan Morales would convert his lone field goal attempt of the afternoon. 

On defense, David Sweetman would lead the Swedes in total tackles (8) while Kam'ron Brown lead the defense in solo tackles (6). Kamorion Carter and Sweetman both tallied one sack each during the contest. Gavin Silva would force the fumble in the third quarter and recover it. 

De'Von Lovelady had a couple great returns averaging 41.3 yards per return with a long of 65. 

As a team, the Swedes totaled 177 yards of total offense (142 passing, 35 rushing). Although Bethany committed less penalties, both teams ended with 90 yards allowed due to penalties. Neither team was able to convert on fourth down (combined 0-5) and both teams struggled on third down (combined 5 for 31). 

Up Next...

Next Saturday, September 9, the Bethany College Swedes are set to host the Tabor College Bluejays for First Responders and Military Night. Kickoff is set for 7pm CT in Lindsborg, Kansas.

~#RockarStockar~