PIKEVILLE, KY – The Bethel Wildcats fell behind 20-0 at Pikeville Saturday and despite a gallant comeback could never make up enough ground to beat the Bears, eventually losing 50-34. Big plays would be the theme of the contest played in the Mountains of the Commonwealth.
Bethel, behind an 89-yard kick-off return by J'Kobi Reddick and a strip sack 20 yard touchdown scamper by Vonte Bates pulled to within six at 20-14. The Bears added a score later and led at halftime 27-14.
Trailing by that same score in the third, Bethel's Caleb Nelson scored on a reverse from three yards out and the Wildcats trailed 27-21. After the Bears scored to make it 34-21, the Cats showed heart again pulling to within 34-28 on a Christian Arrambide to Nelson 41 yard touchdown strike. Each score was backed up by a Rodrigo Campos perfect point after attempt. The Bears would add to their lead however with another score and despite an 84-yard touchdown pass from Arrambide to Reddick the home team would eventually win 50-34.
Bethel would end up with more total yards at 384-253. They had more rushing yards at 124-69. The Wildcats also had an advantage in passing yards at 260-184. Both teams had 16 first downs each.
The Bears, like Bethel scored on several big plays in the game including a 99-yard plus interception return for a score. They also returned a kick-off for a score.
Reddick would finished with three receptions for 102 yards. Jakobe Griffin led the Wildcat defense with 10 total tackles.
The Wildcats dropped to 4-6 and 1-5 in the MSC. The Bears improved to 5-4 and 4-2. Bethel leads the series 6-4.
The Wildcats return home to face Campbellsville Saturday in the season finale. It will be Senior Day with ceremonies beginning at 1 p.m. Kick-off is slated for 1:30 p.m.
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