SWEDES LOSE TOUGH ONE ON ROAD

Kansas City, Mo. – The Bethany College Swedes Football Team took to the road to open their season in Kansas City, Mo. to face off against the Avila University Eagles. This game had a primetime feel to it being that it was the only football game being played in the KCAC with a 1:00 PM kickoff. All other KCAC games kicked off at 6:00 PM.

The Swedes would start off their season on offense as the first play from scrimmage was a Landry Shields rush for 11 yards. By the end on the drive, the Swedes would go 33 yards before Zeke Mumford would have to punt it away.

On the following possession, Terry McCutcheon would record the first tackle of the season as he would hold the Eagles running back to no gain. Bethany would give up a first down, but that was it for the Swedes first defense series of the year.

Following a Bethany punt, the Eagles would break the tie with an eight-play, 54-yard drive resulting in a touchdown. Avila would take a 7-0 lead after the extra point attempt.

In the second quarter, the Swedes would force their first turnover of the season. Caleb Epperson, who on the previous play made a wide receiver jump resulting in a false start, would drop back to his zone and undercut a ball to intercept it by way of a miraculous diving catch.

Towards the end of the quarter, the Bethany defense stood strong holding Avila to a field goal attempt that was ultimately blocked by Kamorian Carter and recovered by Frank Bohannon. The Swedes would drain the rest of the clock to end the first half down 7-0.  

The second half featured a lot more action. The half opened with the Avila offense stalling out and missing a field goal attempt to make it a two-score lead. The Swedes would make them regret missing the kick as Landry Shields would connect with Michael Young on a 50-yard touchdown to knot it up at 7-7.

The Swedes would force another Eagle punt, but would turn the ball over on downs on the succeeding drive. Avila would score on their next two possessions to take a commanding 21-7 lead before the Swedes would storm back in the fourth period by way of two more touchdown passes from Shields; one to Young again for 14 yards and another to Jacob Madu for 15 yards.

With the game tied 21-21, the Eagles would finally convert a field goal to take the lead which was ultimately the difference as the Swedes would fall 24-21.

Landry Shields would one of the best games of his young career so far with three touchdowns while going 21-36 for 214 yards. Michael Young would tally 6 catches for 89 yards and two touchdowns while Jacob Madu would add 5 catches for 46 yards and one touchdown. Zamarion Spencer would lead the rushing attack with 39 yards on 9 carries.

Terry McCutcheon would lead the Swedes' defense with seven total tackles (five solo) while also recording the lone sack for the defense. Caleb Epperson would end the day with six total tackles (two solo) and an interception.

Up Next…

The Swedes will head back home to get ready for a date with the Kansas Wesleyan University Coyotes. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, September 7 at 11:00 AM CT.