SWEDES FALL TO COUNTY RIVAL BULLDOGS

McPherson, Kan. - The Bethany College Football Team took the road to McPherson, Kansas to take on county rival the McPherson College Bulldogs. 

Bethany won the coin toss and elected to receive the opening kickoff. Unfortunately, the Swedes weren't able to do much with a couple near-misses on the drive. It seemed to be Bulldogs' big weekend may have been a distraction as the first to plays from scrimmage for McPherson resulted in fumbles, the second forced by defensive lineman Sterling Mack. The Bethany defense would force a punt.

On the Swedes following drive, they would convert the first first down of the afternoon by way of a Zamarion Spencer carry for three yards. It seemed the Swedes offense was on a roll, but the drive would end with Bethany turning the ball over on downs. The succeeding drive for the Bulldogs looked to break the scoreless tie, but linebacker Calvin Gean would get past the Bulldog linemen to block a 31-yard field goal attempt that would result in a touchback for the Swedes. 

The scoring did not begin until the second quarter. After a Bethany punt, McPherson would get on the board with a 65-yard touchdown pass. Following another punt by the Swedes, the Bulldogs would punch it in from one yard out. Down 14-0, the Swedes decided to change it up and enter Landry Shields to run the offense. After two completions, Shields would throw an interception that would be downed at the Bethany 20-yard line. The Swedes' defense would be unfazed as defensive back Zemonda Wilson would intercept the ball in the endzone resulting in a touchback. 

The Bulldogs would follow the Swedes' interception with one of their own, but this one was returned for a touchdown. On the following PAT, linebacker Connor Payomo would block the kick, but on the return, a Swede would fumble the ball trying to pick it up leading to a Bulldog picking the ball up and running into the endzone to put McPherson up 22-0. The Bulldogs would try to add to the score before the break, but would be unable to do so after a sack by defensive lineman David Sweetman.

The second half was relatively quiet compared to the first. In the third quarter, Dalton Whitworth entered the game at quarterback for the Swedes. In the fourth, the Bulldogs would add to their lead with another one-yard touchdown but miss the PAT kick making it 28-0 which would be the final score. 

Connor Payomo seemed to return to his old self as he would record a team-high 12 tackles (5 solo), 0.5 tackles for loss, and a blocked kick. Defensive back Terry McCutcheon would have a solid day as well with 8 total tackles (6 solo), 1 sack, and a forced fumble. Defensive back Khyree Marshall would tally 2 pass breakups and David Sweetman would record 2 tackles for loss including a sack.

Up Next...

 The Swedes will begin a two-game homestand with the No. 14 Southwestern College Moundbuilders would are on a two game losing streak. Bethany will look to make it three on the reeling Moundbuilders. Kickoff is set for 1:00pm in Lindsborg, Kansas at the Coach Ted Kessinger Family Stadium. 

~#RockarStockar~