MCKENZIE, Tenn. – The Bethel Wildcats snapped a three-game losing streak Saturday, defeating Faulkner 21-10 at Walter Butler Stadium on Carroll County Students & Families Day.
Bethel improved to 2-3, while the Eagles fell to 3-3.
Terris Smith put the Wildcats on the board on their opening possession, breaking loose for a 35-yard touchdown on fourth-and-two. Zachary Clutch added the extra point for a 7-0 advantage with 12:24 remaining in the first quarter.
The score remained unchanged through halftime as Bethel's defense kept the Eagles out of the end zone.
Faulkner opened the second half with a lengthy drive, moving 73 yards in 15 plays before settling for Jacob Huff's 17-yard field goal. The kick trimmed Bethel's lead to 7-3 with 6:44 left in the third quarter.
The Wildcats answered with a seven-play, 86-yard touchdown drive. Jaylan Brown scored on a one-yard run, and Eli Burciaga's extra point pushed the margin to 14-3 with 3:46 remaining in the quarter.
Durrell Miller intercepted a Faulkner pass on the ensuing possession, setting up another Wildcat scoring drive. Silas Teat connected with Jamarion Dowdell for a 55-yard touchdown with 12:29 left in the fourth quarter. Burciaga added the extra point to make it 21-3.
Faulkner answered with a 20-yard touchdown pass from Jordan Leverette to Robin Harris with 9:13 remaining, but the Wildcats held the Eagles scoreless the rest of the way.
Dowdell led Bethel's offense with three receptions for 130 yards and a touchdown, adding 46 yards rushing. Smith carried 13 times for 76 yards and a score.
Brown completed eight of 18 passes for 108 yards and added a rushing touchdown. Teat finished five of nine for 87 yards and a touchdown.
Bethel outgained Faulkner 366-272, including a 171-88 advantage on the ground.
The Wildcats entered the game averaging just 57 yards per game in rushing.  
The Wildcat defense recorded seven sacks. Scottie Roddy Jr. led the unit with 12 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Tatum Oliver and Layne Vaughn collected nine tackles apiece, while Miller added eight stops and an interception. Deshawn Love recorded two sacks, and Justin Bruce broke up three passes.
Logan Miller averaged 43.9 yards on seven punts, placing three inside the Eagles' 20-yard line.
Bethel returns to Walter Butler Stadium next Saturday, October 17, hosting Cumberlands for Homecoming. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
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