LEBANON, Tenn. (Saturday, Sept. 4, 2008) - It certainly wasn't the plan that the Wildcats had in mind as the hosting Bulldogs of Cumberland University scored 21 points in the first sixteen minutes en route to a Homecoming victory at the expense of Bethel, 44-16. The loss breaks a five year winning streak over the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs made it look easy as they took the opening kickoff and opening drive 58 yards in seven plays as Travis Carter hauled in a 25 yard pass from Matt Eads and quickly took a 7-0 lead. Bethel's first possession of the day ended when Steve Jarrett fumbled on the Cumberland 42. The Bulldogs took advantage scoring on just four plays to take a 14-0 lead 8:54 into the game. Bethel went three and out as punter Luke Roth pinned the Bulldogs deep at their own 14. Once again, the Wildcats defense was unable to stop CU as they drove 86 yards for the score and a 21-0 lead.
Bethel's offense showed signs of life after Johnathan Deberry took the kickoff and returned it 46 yards to the CU 44 yard line. Bethel drove to the CU three yard line, but couldn't punch it in. On fourth down, kicker Sean Fraser booted the 19 yard field goal and BC was on the board 21-3. Antonio Wardlow put an end to the next Bulldog possession with his third interception of the year. After the turnover, the Wildcats were unable to take advantage failing to convert a first down. The defense held and the ‘Cats took over on their own eight yard line with 1:59 left in the half. Quarterback Chad Lamping hit six passes setting up first and goal on the two yard line. Lamping would call his own number and after a blocked, PAT the Wildcats trailed 21-9 and would receive the ball to start the second half.
|
Sean Fraser boots a 19 yard field goal for the Wildcats. |
The second half opened with Deberry giving the Wildcats a spark returning the kickoff 59 yards to the CU 32. Bethel picked up five yards on three plays and elected to go for it on fourth down, but Lamping's pass fell incomplete. CU drove to the Bethel 12 and the Wildcats defense stiffened forcing a 30 yard field goal for a 24-9 lead. The Bulldogs would score on their next possession to take a 31-9 lead with :22 left in the third.
|
Quarterback Chad lamping scores the first of two rushing touchdowns against the Bulldogs. Lamping was 17 of 29 for 154 yards and one interception through the air. |
The Wildcats would cut the lead on their next possession as Lamping again ran in it from five yards out and the ‘Cats trailed 31-16. CU still proved an enigma as they converted three third downs on their next drive chewing up 7:11 of the clock and had a 38-16 advantage. After both teams failed to convert on fourth downs, Bethel took over with 1:48 to play. On the ‘Cats first play, Lamping's pass was picked off and returned for a 48 yard touchdown and the final points of the day as CU wins 44-16.
|
Antonio Wardlow skies and picks off his third pass of the season. |
The Bulldogs outgained the Wildcats 468 to 243. Cumberland ran the ball effectively piling up 278 yards and Bethel was held as a team under 100 yards picking up 86 on the ground.
Offensively, Lamping was 17 of 29 for 154 yards and one interception. He scored both TDs on the ground. His favorite target was Will Cripps with seven catches for 71 yards. Desmond Newbold had 4 grabs for 59 yards. Justin Woodard carried 16 times for 66 yards.
Defensively, Deberry had 12 stops on the afternoon. Deberry also 124 yards on three kickoff returns. Steve Small had 10 tackles, Wade Vandergriff had 8, Dustin Finch and Chris Sipes each had seven. Wardlow posted six tackles and an interception.
Bethel falls to 1-4 (1-1) on the season. They will be on the road to Pikeville, Ky. on Saturday, October 11, 2008 for a 12:30pm kickoff against Pikeville College. The Bears are 1-4 (0-1) on the season. The game can be heard live on 97.7FM and on-line at www.bethelathletics.com.
