Swedes Comeback Unsuccessful Against Tabor
Hillsboro, Kan. - The Bethany College football team was unable to complete a comeback attempt against Tabor College Saturday. The Bluejays were able to mount an early 21-0 lead that proved to be too much for the Swedes to overcome.
Tabor's three first quarter touchdowns resulted from two passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown, the latter of which was set up after Tabor recovered a Swedes fumble. Bethany would show the same resolve that proved successful last week against Sterling as they mounted a comeback attempt.
The comeback began when Austin Denson, senior quarterback, connected on a 7 yard pass to Darren Rittwage, sophomore receiver, to cap off a 12 play 53 yard drive for the Swedes. This made the score 21-6 after the first quarter of play.
Taylor Clagg, freshman linebacker, would stop Tabor's first drive of the second quarter by intercepting a pass at the Tabor 48 yard line. With eight minutes left in the second quarter Denson found Jamaul Randle, freshman receiver, for a 52 yard touchdown reception to make the score 21-12. The Bluejays would then go on a 16 play 66 yard drive that would take 8:30 minutes off the clock. They were able to kick a field goal to end the drive with just 24 seconds remaining in the half. The halftime score was 24-12.
The score would remain deadlocked in the third quarter as both teams defenses held strong. Tabor would be able to add another field goal with ten minutes left in the fourth quarter to give them a 27-12 lead. The Swedes would continue to battle back and made the score 27-18 on a 1 yard touchdown by J.J. Allen, freshman running back. Dylan Friedman would make the score 27-21 when he converted a 26 yard field goal attempt with six minutes to go in the game. Tabor's defense would hold the Swedes offense in check the rest of the way.
The Swedes offense was led by Denson who completed 20 of his 35 pass attempts for 295 yards and two touchdowns. Allen would total 37 yards on his 11 carries with a touchdown. Randle was the Swedes leading receiver snaring 5 passes for 136 yards and a touchdown. Rittwage would add 7 catches of his own for 122 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively Bethany College was led by Willie Page, freshman defensive back, who tallied 6 tackles including 1 for loss on the day. Devante Scott, freshman safety, and Devariej Criss, senior defensive back would both add 4 tackles. Larry Hall, junior linebacker, recovered a fumble for the Swedes.
Up Next . . .
The Swedes will return home to Anderson Stadium next weekend to take on the Bethel College Threshers. The game is scheduled to begin at 1pm on Saturday, October 31st. Senior Day recognition for the Swedes will occur before the game.
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