MCKENZIE, Tenn. – The No. 3 Bethel Wildcats closed out their regular season beating Cumberland University 56-7 at Wildcat Stadium in McKenzie Saturday. The Cats became the first team in program history to go undefeated during the regular season moving to 10-0. They were 6-0 in league play. Cumberland completed their season at 5-6 and 3-3.
Bethel outgained the Phoenix 548-172 in total yards. They had 25 first downs to CU's 11. Bethel had 326 yards in passing and 222 rushing yards in the game.
Bethel's Sam Castronova threw three touchdowns passes giving him 27 on the season. The 27 is the most by any quarterback in program history in a single season. The previous mark of 25 was held by Bethel Coach Brent Dearmon in the 2003 season. Castronova had 260 passing yards in the game. He also had a rushing touchdown for the Wildcats. Nolan Chowbay also had a touchdown pass in the win.
De'Ontay Tate led the Wildcats in rushing with 65 yards. He and Taye Davis had rushing scores for the Cats. Derek Smith had a game high seven receptions for the Wildcats. He along with Tate and Davius Prather had touchdown receptions.
Brandon Moore led Bethel in tackles with eight. David Miller followed with five and also scooped up a fumble and ran 45 yards for a defensive score. Jakobe Griffin and Anthony Patrick also had fumble recoveries for the Wildcats. Jaylen Montague and Karrheem Darrington both picked off Phoenix passes.
Coach Brent Dearmon was pleased with the record setting victory. "We are excited to accomplish this undefeated regular season. Our kids have really worked hard and I am so proud of them and this staff. I am also really proud of Sam and his record setting season. I knew mid-season he had a great chance to break it. Our early start helped us today. Jumping out to a nice lead helped us control play and put them I thought in an uncomfortable position." He added, "We will find out about the playoffs Sunday and keep working hard to keep a good edge about us."
The NAIA will release the field and pairings Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. Fans can watch the show at: https://www.facebook.com/PlayNAIA/
