Wildcats Win Home Opener

McKENZIE (August 31) — A packed Walter Butler Stadium for the first night game in three years saw the No. 8 Bethel Wildcats outlast the Point University Skyhawks Saturday night. The Cats won 20-6 in the season opener for both squads.

Both defensive squads had their way in the first half. The only score was a pick six by Bethel’s Jacious Clark who intercepted a Point pass and returned it for 53 yards and a score. The point after by freshman Stafford Roditis gave the Cats a 7-0 lead. It was the only score of the first half by either team.

After a scoreless third stanza, Bethel’s offense got on the board early in the fourth quarter when Offensive Coordinator Jay Bright pulled out a trick play. QB Avaun Rucker handed the ball off to Will Secker who in return gave the ball back to Rucker who found Avont Burrus open in the endzone for a 27-yard touchdown.

Point cut the Bethel margin to 14-6 with 11:34 to play but the Wildcats put the game away when Rucker hit newcomer TeeJay Taylor from four yards out and the Wildcats won 20-6. Taylor caught six passes for 73 yards. Secker had three receptions for 37 yards. Jordan Cason carried the ball 12 times for a team high 63 yards. Rucker finished 7-of- 12 with two touchdowns and 72 yards. Newcomer Kade Hewitt had 65 passing yards and 38 yards rushing.

Bethel had 299 total yards on offense.

Defensive Coordinator Chris Springer saw his defensive unit hold Point to just 185 total yards. The Wildcats picked off our passes and limited the Hawks to just 12 rushing yards. Gianni Gamble led Bethel with five total tackles. Brody Franks and Jazzir Merricks each had four total tackles and an interception. Point was just 4-of-14 on third down conversions.

Coach Michael Jasper said, “We are really proud of our program for gutting out a tough win. Point flat out came to play and we had to find ways to make plays. Once again, our defense was lights out, with multiple guys stepping up and making plays. The offense was hard to come by early, but we stayed the course and finished some drives we needed in order to come away with a win. There is a ton of work to do, but the kids this year are special and won’t shy away from the hard work we have to put in.”

The Wildcats will play host to Mary Hardin-Baylor Saturday with action beginning at 1 p.m. The Cats Walk will begin at 11:15 a.m. with gates opening at that same time. It will be the first ever meeting against the Crusaders.