No. 2 Keiser Tops Wildcats in McKenzie

McKENZIE (September 12) — The No. 2-ranked Keiser University Seahawks used a powerful rushing attack and controlled the football for more than 38 minutes to defeat the Bethel Wildcats 48-7 Saturday afternoon at Walter Butler Stadium.

The loss dropped Bethel to 1-1, while Keiser improved to 1-1.

Keiser finished with 495 yards of total offense, including 349 yards on the ground. The Seahawks recorded 31 first downs and converted all six of their fourth-down opportunities.

Raphael Ekechi opened the scoring with a 20-yard touchdown run at the 9:19 mark of the first quarter.

Keiser added 17 points during the second period. Dorian Hall connected on a 38-yard field goal before JT Tabora found Julian Garcia for a three-yard touchdown. Ekechi scored from one yard out on the final play of the half, giving the Seahawks a 24-0 advantage.

Bethel broke through with a big play midway through the third quarter. Silas Teat connected with Micah Jones for a 90-yard touchdown with 7:51 remaining in the period. Zachary Clutch added the extra point to pull the Wildcats within 24-7.

Keiser responded just over two minutes later when Jontay Hais scored on an eight-yard run. The Seahawks added 17 points in the fourth quarter to close out the victory.

Bethel finished with 232 yards of total offense, with 193 coming through the air. Teat completed 5-of-15 passes for 168 yards and a touchdown. Jaylan Brown completed his only pass for 25 yards.

Jones led the Wildcats with two receptions for 104 yards and the 90-yard touchdown. Zion Bryan caught three passes for 86 yards, including a 63-yard reception.

Ryan Kirk paced the Bethel rushing attack with 53 yards on 13 carries. The Wildcats were limited to 39 net rushing yards after Keiser recorded five sacks for 36 yards.

Scottie Roddy Jr. led the Bethel defense with 14 tackles, including 10 solo stops. Detarius Douglas and Tatum Oliver recorded nine tackles apiece, while Brenton Hall added seven. Deshawn Love finished with five tackles and two tackles for loss.

Keiser's Ekechi rushed for 113 yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries. Hais added 85 yards and a score on 12 attempts. Tabora completed 15-of-26 passes for 110 yards and one touchdown.

The Wildcats return to action Saturday when they travel to Babson Park, Florida, to face Webber International University.