Bethel moved its game last week at Class 2A’s fifth-ranked Jones to Thursday due to possible bad weather that was threatening for Friday. That storm arrived early for both teams in the form of uncommon special teams play, inflated penalty numbers, and, depending how you choose to see it, poor offense or great defense by the ‘Cats and the ‘Horns.
Bethel’s blocked field goal and return of 98 yards for a touchdown. Jones’ first down pass intercepted by Hunter Luschen for a 50-yard pick six. Bethel’s 13 penalties for 108 yards. Jones’ second quarter abysmal three-of-eight passing performance. Bethel’s one-of-eleven third down conversion rate. Jones’ blocked punt by CJ Compton and recovery by Alex Tollett.
Another oddity: Bethel had 22 plays in the first quarter while Jones had only seven; then Jones had 22 in the second quarter while Bethel had eight. And, who can ever forget the maddening light show before the game and after each score? Actually, that was pretty impressive!
The game began with Jones taking the ball on a five-play 80yard drive into a strong south wind. On that drive, the Longhorns had two completions of 43 yards and then a 23-yarder for a touchdown. It appeared the District 2A-2 champs would blow the ‘Cats out quickly. Though the final score showed a Jones’ 49-7 win, it did not reflect the hard play by Bethel on the field.
Bethel coach Joey Ginn said, “I was very proud of how our kids played through adversity. We obviously faced a lot down the stretch, and our kids battled the whole way. I truly don’t believe the final score was indicative of the game.”
The ‘ Cats began their first drive at their own 33-yard line. John Allred, who finished the game with 108 yards on 19 rushes, carried the ball the first six consecutive plays, including a 30-yard burst. After a near-interception by the ‘Horns on third and three at the Longhorn three-yard line, Ginn brought in Luke Drew for his third field goal attempt of the season.
The kick was blocked and returned 98 yards for a 12-0 lead for Jones midway through the first quarter.
Bethel forced a threeand- out and punt on Jones’ next possession before going on an eleven-play drive that saw Cale Duncan completions to Gabe Palomares, Jonathan Harris, and Allred. A wheel route eventually fell incomplete on a fourth-and-eleven, ending the drive.
Bethel got on the board when Jones got the ball back. Luschen had arguably the defensive play of the year on a first down pass. He was in man coverage with the slot receiver. After a run fake, he stayed with the receiver, stepped in front of him on a perfectlytimed interception and then sprinted fifty yards for the pick six.
The Wildcat offense was stalled the remainder of the half, resulting in two punts and a failed fourth-down attempt.
Jones meanwhile constructed two fiftyyard scoring drives, the second a nine-yard pass with 22 seconds until intermission. After running the ball only twice in twelve plays on three failed drives, Jones reversed field and kept the ball on the ground for these two series to the tune of 13 runs and three passes. The Longhorns led, 277, at the half.
The third quarter proved to be the deciding factor in whether or not Bethel would mount a comeback. Despite Compton’s blocked punt and Tollett’s recovery and return of it, the rest of the news was bad.
The ‘Cats were flagged eight times for 68 yards, punted three times, allowed two more touchdowns, and fumbled a kickoff return. When the third quarter ended, the scoreboard lit up Jones 42, Bethel 7.
The first play of the fourth quarter resulted in a four-yard scoring run by Jones and the final 49th point. The final fruit of the poisonous fumble from the previous quarter.
The Wildcats finished the game and the season with two solid drives by Duncan, perhaps a preview of things to come in 2023.
The first series was an eight-play march highlighted by 24 and 21-yard completions to Zac Roybal. The next possession was a sixplay drive with runs of 13 by Allred and 10 of Brady Lower. Unfortunately, both drives ended in interceptions. Regardless, Duncan showed vast improvement over his three starts to end the season. Expect him to only get better.
Bethel finished the season with a record of four wins and six losses, ending a two-year playoff streak.
The last thing I’ll say about the ‘22 Wildcats is this: John Allred will be missed. The senior finished the season with over 1,100 rushing yards. That’s impressive considering opponents knew he would be getting the ball. He finished the game with 17 tackles. His effort never wavered throughout the year. John Allred is resilient, and he is the ultimate team player.
RUSHING: Allred 19-108, Lower 9-28, Duncan 5-4 PASSING: Duncan 13-22-94-0-2 RECEIVING: Roybal, 3-52, Harris 3-21, Easterling 3-18, Palomares 2-6 TACKLES: Allred 17, Melson 13, Luschen 10, Compton 8, Tollett 7, Palomares 7
