Lindsborg, Kan.— Bethany's Adams scored on a 16-yard run with 2:14 remaining, lifting the Swedes to a 32-31 victory over the University of Saint Mary on Saturday, September 12th. The Spires had taken a 12-point lead with less than eight minutes left before Bethany scored the game's final 13 points.

USM turned an early takeaway into the game's first touchdown. Damion Gordon recovered a Briano fumble and returned it 17 yards to the Bethany 43, setting up an eight-play drive that Garrett Hunnicutt finished with a 9-yard touchdown run. Bethany answered with short rushing touchdowns by Hawkins and Adams to move ahead 12-7 early in the second quarter.

The Spires closed the half with nine unanswered points. Davon Slaughter intercepted Briano at the Saint Mary 43, and Hunnicutt capped the ensuing 57-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. The Spire defense then recorded a safety with 1:19 left, sending USM into halftime with a 16-12 advantage.

Bethany regained the lead after Ali intercepted Hunnicutt on the opening possession of the third quarter. Briano followed with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Eddens, putting Bethany ahead 19-16. Saint Mary responded in the fourth quarter with two touchdown drives. Teralle Watson scored from 3 yards before Damarkus McCoy broke a 37-yard run and later finished the 77-yard possession with an 8-yard touchdown. Jack Bakarich's two-point pass to Kobe Cunningham extended the lead to 31-19 with 7:56 remaining.

McCoy powered the USM offense with 153 rushing yards and a touchdown on 28 carries. The Spires rushed for 178 yards, converted all four red-zone opportunities and scored four touchdowns on the ground. Amir Akins led the defense with 16 tackles, Amari Akins added 14, and Gordon finished with 11 tackles and the fumble recovery. Chace Redmond recorded the Spires lone sack, while Andres Cruz placed three of seven punts inside the 20.

The Swedes comeback began when Briano connected with Eddens for a 75-yard touchdown with 6:28 left, cutting the margin to 31-26. Adams then completed the rally. The Spires final possession stalled, and Cruz punted with 1:42 remaining before Bethany ran out the clock.
 
Coming Up…

The Spires will look to bounce back on Saturday, September 19^th as they host the Avila University Eagles. Kick off at Berkel Memorial Stadium is slated for 6:00 p.m.