The days of dominace in the KCAC have drastically changed when the once perennially strong Swedes of Bethany suffer a lopsided shutout from the Warriors of Sterling College. Change is welcome as the Warriors continue a drive for postseason play defeating the Swedes 47-0.
While Bethany searched for identity on Saturday, the Warriors made theirs apparent as the ground game once again flourished, gaining over 200 yards running, posting over 350 total. The defense also put in a stellar effort as Bethany could only muster 137 yards of total offense, rarely even running plays on the Warrior side of the field.
After an opening drive with a key 3rd down Tyler Degenhardt pass to Johnelle Murphy for 30 yards for the Warriors, Sterling would score on a Murphy run to begin the scoring. With the wind blowing firm, the Warriors kept the kickoffs low, which created an opportunity in the 1st quarter as Josh Wheeler's kick after the first score struck a Swede upback and caromed into the hands of a covering Warrior, giving the Warriors offense a short field to drive and go up 12-0, both conversion attempts failing.
After a '3 and out' by the Swede offense and a short punt, the Warriors would once again get a short field where a Tyler Degenhardt 17 yard pass would find Carlos De Los Reyes for a touchdown to take a three score lead on Bethany. Another quick series for Bethany would end in a punt getting blocked by linebacker Justin Hejny picked up for a touchdown by Nate Arnold. That would cap off a dominating 1st quarter, the Warriors up 26-0.
After 11 play drive for the Swedes that would result in no points, the Warriors put together one of their trademark clock dominating drives taking up almost 8 minutes of the 2nd quarter going 70 yards, capped off by a Rashard Colquitt touchdown run, putting the Warriors up 33-0 going into halftime.
"Our guys executed well in the first half. With a couple plays going our way with bounces and a blocked punt, we were able to take advantage and put points on the board. Sometimes, a couple plays that go your way can make all the difference in this game," remarked Head Coach Andy Lambert.
The 2nd half was workmanlike for the Warriors as they would work to close out the win. And if nothing else was an indication that alot was going the Warriors' way, it was definite when Sterling nose tackle Quinton Burgess came up with his 1st career interception late in the 3rd quarter on a busted pass play. Stephen Wilson and Johnelle Murphy would both have rushing touchdowns, one in each quarter, putting the game far out of reach while the defense preserved the shutout, the final score 47-0.
Rashard Colquitt would lead the rushing attack with 60 yards, with Murphy and Degenhardt close behind with 55 yards a piece as the attack was well spread. Degenhardt would prove efficient going 10-13 passing for 149 yards and a TD. Murphy would be the scoring leader crossing the endzone line 3 times on the day.
The schedule remaining for the Warriors will assuredly sort out how the conference will finish out with Kansas Wesleyan on deck and Ottawa sharing second place with the Warriors, both teams with one loss, three weeks away as the final game of the year; a much more competitive St. Mary sandwiched in between. The KWU kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 in Salina, KS.