The Rebels, celebrating homecoming, dismantled Adamsville 44-20 despite not playing at its optimum level.

For the third straight week, it was a record-setting performance for the Rebels. Junior receiver Randy Lacey obliterated the old single-game receiving mark. He hauled in 10 catches for 241 yards and two TDs, breaking Brad Herrin's 1994 mark for catches in a game (8) and his own for total yardage set at Camden two weeks earlier (153).

"Petey (Lacey) is starting to come along," said Comer. "People are going to start covering him up, so you are probably going to see some other people step up."

Sophomore quarterback Drew Hayes tied his own mark for completions in a game with 14.

More importantly, the Rebels improved to 4-0 and clinched at least a tie for fourth place in Region 6-2A. They can clinch a playoff spot with their next regional victory.

It looked like a typical homecoming game for the Rebels. They started quickly, but had a few lapses which allowed Adamsville perhaps a sliver of opportunity.

"It was homecoming," said MHS head coach Wade Comer. "Adamsville played good, but we could have played a whole lot better."

The Cardinals scored two of their three touchdowns on kickoff returns of 85 and 87 yards in the first half, which chapped the backsides of the Rebels and the coaching staff.

"Take away those two breakdowns on special teams and everybody's happy," said the coach. "I think we are headed in the right direction and we are a whole lot better than we were when we played JCS (in the first pre-season scrimmage)."

The Rebels jumped on Adamsville much like they did Camden and Dyer County. Senior Brad Campbell, three plays into the game, recovered a mishandled Cardinal shotgun snap at the 1. Eight seconds later, junior Cody Cook scored with 10:03 to play. On the PAT, McKenzie implemented the swinging gate, but rolled the play away from the line. Hayes found Cook with a lob pass for the 8-0 lead.

Twenty seconds later, McKenzie senior Daniel Hollowell scooped up another Adamsville fumble and the Rebs were in business again. Cook rambled 20 yards to the Adamsville 40, setting up Hayes' 40-yard TD hookup with Lacey. On the swinging gate play again, Hayes shot-putted the ball to Campbell who waited for the line to push back Adamsville, basically walked into the end zone for the 16-0 lead at the 9:21 mark.

Things were looking too easy for the Rebels when they were brought back to earth on the ensuing kickoff return. T.J. Robinson bolted 85 yards for a score. Christopher Kimmo added the first of his two PATs and the Cardinals were in striking distance, simple as that.

The Rebels looked as if they were going to get good field position to start the second frame, but a suspect roughing-the-punter call gave the Cards a first down. It did little except to prolong the next McKenzie scoring drive. It looked like Adamsville caught a break with a 33-yard punt to the Rebel 6. But MHS unleashed it's blitzkrieg offense. Four plays and 94-yards later, McKenzie was back in the end zone. A 36-yard aerial to senior Jake Smith and a 56-yard missile to Lacey landed the Rebs on the 4 where Cook did the rest. His 58-yard TD run two plays later was negated by a predictable holding call. He took the plunge from the 4 two plays later at the 7:44 mark. John Kermit Laughery added the first of four PAT kicks for the 23-7 lead.
But on the next kickoff, Robinson took off for an 87-yard TD return. The kick failed, but the Cardinals wouldn't go away, trailing 23-13.

"Adamsville is better," said Comer. "They stayed after us."
The Rebels weren't through. Late in the second frame, they embarked on a two-play, 42-yard drive when Hayes hooked up with Lacey for a 54-yard TD strike with :24 to play.

McKenzie led 30-13 at the half. It could have easily been 50-0.
"We stopped ourselves a few times and we had some breakdowns," said Comer. "It looked like a homecoming game."

Campbell opened the second half with a 9-yard TD romp through the middle, ending a 7-play, 63-yard drive. Laughery lifted the Rebels to a 37-13 lead. Campbell had five carries and 41 yards for the night.

Greg Pruitt picked off a pass and sparked the next McKenzie drive. Nine plays and 50 yards later, MHS was on the board again. Cook scored from the 6, Laughery added the kick and the Rebels were in front 44-13 with 3:52 to play in the third. Cook finished with 128 yards on 17 carries.

As the fourth began, the Rebels emptied their bench. The B-teamers played well, but Adamsville did manage a late TD with 2:13 to play. Kevin Rickman's 4-yard score and Kimmo's PAT drew the Cardinals closer, 44-20.

In the end, the Rebel defense did the job again. The first-team defense shut down Adamsville. The Cardinals were limited to 82 total yards and four first downs.

"I thought the defense played exceptionally well tonight," said Comer. "The first team didn't give up a score and we got after them. We are starting to stroke some folks."

Adamsville tailback-turned-quarterback-turned tailback again Robinson had 11 totes for 39 yards.

Defensively, John Craig Howell had five tackles. Campbell, Clint Manns, Clint Anderson, Andrew Cross, Daniel Hollowell and Kris Sydnor had four stops each. Anderson, Paul Edwards, Cody Cook and Josh Lowe each had a sack. Greg Pruitt had an interception and broke up a pass.

The Rebels travel to Freed Field in Trenton next week to face the Peabody Golden Tide.

"The competition gets keener from here on," said Comer. "We're going to see what we are made of. We have a big week of practice ahead because we have a quality opponent in Trenton, so we'll have to be ready to play."

The Rebels have taken a step closer to the playoffs and can qualify when they travel to Decatur County-Riverside in two weeks. McKenzie's next home game is against Dresden on Oct. 10.

"Right now we are working to position ourselves for the playoffs," Comer said. "We want to play at home."

Adamsville is 0-4, 0-2 in the region and will play at Harris Field and Greenfield this Friday night.

SUMMARY

A 7 6 0 7 20
M 16 14 14 0 44

FIRST QUARTER
M - 10:03 Cody Cook 1 run, Cook pass from Drew Hayes; 1 play, 1 yard :08.
M - 9:21 Randy Lacey 40 pass from Hayes, Campbell pass from Hayes; 2 plays, 60 yards, :32.
A - 9:04 T.J. Robinson 85 kickoff return, Christopher Kimmo kick.
SECOND QUARTER
M - 7:44 Brad Campbell 4 run, John Kermit Laughery kick. 4 plays, 94 yards, 1:18.
A - 7:30 Robinson 87 kickoff return, kick failed.
M - :24 Lacey 54 pass from Hayes, Laughery kick; 2 plays, 42 yards, :43.
THIRD QUARTER
M - 7:57 Campbell 9 run, Laughery kick. 7 plays, 63 yards, 4:03.
M - 3:52 Cook 6 run, Laughery kick. 9 plays, 50 yards, 3:34.
FOURTH QUARTER
A - 2:13 Kevin Rickman 4 run, Kimmo kick. 7 plays, 58 yards, 3:01

M A
First Downs 17 4
Yds. Rush 212 30
Yds. Pass 297 52
Total Yds. 509 82
Fumbles-lost 3-2 3-3
Comp. Att. Int. 14-25-1 4-14-1
Punts-avg. 4-32 6-33
Penalties 6-60 3-15
Third down 5-10 1-9
Fourth Down 0-3 1-1
Red zone-scores 4-5 1-1
Possession 24:47 23:13

The night began with Newsome taking the opening kickoff and returning the ball to the Mustangs 25-yard line. Parish indicated the Stangs ability to throw the ball early with a first down pass to Desmond Townes and a first down at the 44-yard line. Bell picked up two yards and was held on second down so Parish again took to the air and hit Kenneth Porter for a first down at the Chester County 46. However, a fumble resulted in a Chester County recovery and their first offensive opportunity.

Four plays later, the Eagles, also utilizing the pass had made progress and were deep in Mustang territory despite great plays by Hunter Hastings, Stephen Wright, Townes and Cliff Bush. On second and 10, the Eagles fumbled the ball and Robert Weathers recovered for Huntingdon.

This time, the Stangs were stalled early. After Bell picked up three and Townes rushed for another 15, Bell was held to an additional two yards, a pass was incomplete and the handoff to Porter resulted in only a single yard. Newsome came in to punt the ball to the Eagle 28-yard line. Huntingdon’s defensive line held the Eagles to three and out and punted very short out of bounds.

Townes rushed for five, Bell picked up three and Townes had a first down at the Chester County 24. Townes was held for a loss as was Bell as the first quarter came to an end. Facing third and 14, Parish found Will White to score the first touchdown of the night and Newsome was perfect on the PAT as Huntingdon took a 7-0 lead with 11:50 remaining in the second period.

Newsome’s kick went to a Chester County player who was almost immediately stopped by freshman Chris Donald at the Eagles 14. Although they gained some success on the pass, the Mustangs Kenneth Hillsman, Bush, Hastings and Weathers were effective on defense and Huntingdon regained possession at the Chester County 34. Parish’s first play was an incomplete pass to White. Bell took the ball for a first down at the 20. After he was held for no gain on the first down, a good block allowed him to run over left guard for the touchdown at the 6:00 mark. Again Newsome, with Andrew Maddox holding, allowed the Stangs to improve their lead by another point and the Stangs led 14-0.

The kickoff return was stopped by Kory Geans while Bush and Adam Carter led the defensive attack that led to a punt after three plays.

Kenny Rich received the punt and reached the Huntingdon 49 with 3:58 remaining. A Chester County player was injured and there was a brief time-out. Parish then threw complete to Weathers who reached the Eagles’ 30-yard line. Townes picked up six and Bell was run out of bounds at the 18. Bell rushed for another four before Parish took to the air three times, the latter to Hillsman in the end zone at the :37 mark. Newsome’s was three for three as the Stangs took a 21-0 lead. Chester County tried an air attack in the final seconds, but were unable to complete a single opportunity as the first half concluded.

The second half the defensive battle continued as the Stangs kicked off to Myron Fulton who reached the 20 before he was nailed by Donald. Townes, Carter, Hastings and Wright continued to prove their defensive worth as the Eagles punted on forth and five. The punt was returned to the Huntingdon 43.

Parish completed a pass to Scott Hampton for a gain of eight while Townes reached a first down on the ground in Eagle territory. Bell was held for a loss and Townes was also held for a loss while a third down pass was incomplete. Newsome found a 45-yard punt to put the Eagles at their own six-yard line.

This time the Eagles would not be denied, despite the efforts of Hillsman, Weathers, Townes, Carter, Hastings, and Porter. Methodically, they moved the ball down the field and scored as the quarterback Jake McKinnie made the option pass to Fulton who rambled 11 yards to pay dirt at the end of the third period. The PAT was good, narrowing the lead to 21-7.

As the fourth quarter began, Bell gained a quick 10 yards to the Mustangs 42. He picked up nine and Townes was held for a loss. Although Bell managed to get the Stangs within inches of a first down, they elected to punt with just over nine minutes remaining and the 33-yard punt went out of bounds at the Chester County 30-yard line.

Once again the defensive line was able to hold and the Stangs gained another opportunity on offense with Bell rushing three times for a first down. Hillsman was held for a loss of two, Bell for a loss of one and then two. A fourth down pass was batted down as the Stangs elected to attempt to convert. Chester County took over on downs at its own 30-yard line.

Maddox held the line on first down. A second down pass was incomplete and a third down pass was intercepted by Porter who stepped out of bounds at the Chester County 45. The Stangs managed to control the ball much of the remaining minutes, but ultimately the Eagles gained a final opportunity to narrow the margin and on the final play of the game, McKinnie fumbled the ball as the Stangs stripped it from his grasp, the ball bounced into the hands of Spellings and with no time remaining, he scored to give the Stangs a 27-7 victory.

This week, the Stangs will face the winless Chargers from Westview. Although Westview has had difficulties throughout this season and are 0-4 overall and 0-2 in Region 7-AA, they will definitely be playing their best when they arrive at Paul Ward Stadium Friday night. While the Stangs have been effective both on the run and the pass and have had multiple touchdowns in every game this season, they will need to play well throughout the night as they meet their longtime rival from Martin. Kickoff will be at 7:30 p.m.

In four games, the Rebel stopper unit has allowed only three touchdowns, pitched one shutout and given up 546 yards in four games.

While offense may be the fireworks distraction in the air, the defense has been sneaking up on people on the ground. Against Adamsville, MHS limited the Cardinals to a paltry 82 yards. The Rebs have been stingy indeed.

"The defense has been playing real tough," said senior linebacker Brad Campbell, who had four stops. "We've played hard and the defensive linemen have been awesome."

Junior defensive tackle Paul Edwards, who had the first sack of his high school career, agreed.

"We came out of the gate and took it to them," Edwards said. "We were pretty aggressive."

Edwards' sack and Campbell's fumble recovery set up the Rebels' first score, a 1-yard plunge from Cody Cook with barely two minutes elapsed in the game.

"The sack felt good," said Edwards. "I got past the tackle and got to the quarterback."

Edwards, Clint Anderson, Josh Lowe and Cody Cook each had sacks for the Rebels. MHS has had seven sacks in the last two games.

"We stuck it to them on defense, but that's our thing," said senior lineman Andrew Cross. "Defense is something we take a lot of pride in."

Adamsville managed only four first downs and only scored on special teams gaffes.

"I think our defense played hard," Campbell said. "The defense was real aggressive tonight. I like that. We laid the wood to them tonight."

McKenzie coach Wade Comer concurred.

"We are starting to stroke some people," he said. "Our defense has played exceptionally well."

"It's cutthroat," said Edwards. "That's the way it has to be; we have to go hog wild and be aggressive."

Campbell likes the all-out style.

"We are doing real well," he said. "We like to bring more pain."

HOT AND COLD: McKenzie got rolling to a 16-0 lead only to allow Adamsville a crease with an 85-yard TD return. Was there a bit of complacency after the fast start, or was it a homecoming distraction?

"I guess homecoming gets people's minds off on other things," said Cross. "We jumped out early and thought we'd have it easy and then we let them hang around."

Edwards agreed.

"We came out of the gates, but we had a lot of penalties," he said. "We should have had at least 40 at the half."

When the Rebels came back to the locker room at the break, leading by 30-13, there was silence.

"It was pure silence," he said. "We came out and felt better about the second half."

The Rebels tacked on two more scores and called off the dogs."

LAUNDRY LIST: McKenzie has suffered the wrath of the zebra this year. Thus far in the past three games, McKenzie has been flagged 24 times for 195 yards.

ROAD WARRIORS: McKenzie hits the road the next two weeks. This week, the Rebels step outside the region to play at Trenton-Peabody then hope for redemption at Riverside in two weeks. McKenzie defeated Trenton 7-6 in a defensive battle last year and lost to Riverside by the same count. A win at Riverside will clinch a playoff spot for the seventh straight season.

COMING UP: McKenzie has two remaining home games. The Oct. 10 battle with Region 7-2A contender Dresden will be senior night. Senior players, cheerleaders and band members will be recognized before the game and at halftime. Two weeks later, on Oct. 24, the Rebels will entertain defending Region 6-2A champion Huntingdon.

Noah Lampkins’ Bulldogs won the toss and elected to receive the first offensive possession of the game. Kevin Taylor kicked off to Bradley Barber who returned the ball to the Gleason 26-yard line where he was brought down by a host of War Eagles. On first down, quarterback Adam Bennett handed the ball to T.J. Wilson who picked up a yard before he was stopped by Kenny Brewer and Bradley Coleman. On second down, Barber swept right for a gain of eight before Chancy Depriest stopped him shy of the first down. Wilson ran off tackle for the first down at the 38 before he was stopped by Jason Lott. Clint Woodard ran for a yard before he was stopped by Lott and Wilson gained another with Coleman on the stop. Facing third and eight Bennett passed the ball to Jacob Howington and the Bulldogs were penalized for having an ineligible receiver downfield, which was declined. Facing fourth and eight Brian Spain punted the ball to Brewer.

A fumbled snap quickly returned the ball to the Bulldogs at the War Eagle and Gleason recovered at the 32. The Bulldogs could not take advantage of their good fortune however. On first down they were penalized for illegal motion. With 8:49 remaining in the first quarter, they took their first time-out. Bennett then moved back to pass and B.J. Reyes batted down the ball. Wilson moved for a gain of one before he was stopped by Ethan Thompson. Bennett passed incomplete, but the War Eagles picked up a pass interference call and the Dawgs had first down at the War Eagle 21. With a first and 10, Wilson took the ball for a gain of nine before he was stopped by Jeremiah Johnson and Bennett picked up the first down on a quarterback keeper before he was stopped by Cody Cunningham. With the ball at the War Eagle 10, Gleason was again penalized for motion and on the following play, Wilson was held for a loss of four by Shane Depriest. An injury time-out followed as Bulldog Clint Woodard was tended on the field. As play resumed and facing first and 19, Bennett had an incomplete pass and the Dawgs were penalized for having an illegal receiver downfield and then a second pass was high and intercepted by C. Depriest whop returned the ball for significant yardage. However the War Eagles were then penalized for holding and the ball was returned to the 17.

The War Eagles were on the mark as S. Depriest ran off tackle for three yards and Kevin Gentile ran off tackle for the first down at the 44 with Howington on the stop. Gentile gained another opportunity and picked up seven yards before he was brought down by Shawn Rennison. On second and three, S. Depriest took the ball and rushed for 16 yards to the Gleason 37 where he was stopped. Facing first and ten at the 20, S. Depriest took the ball into the end zone and Kelly Keen hit the PAT as West Carroll took a 7-0 lead with 2:18 remaining in the first period.

Taylor kicked the ball to Barber, who fumbled and the picked up the ball for a return to the 16. Wilson took the ball for a gain of three with C. Depriest on the stop. The Dawgs were penalized for illegal motion and Gleason took another time-out. Wilson was held for a five-yard loss by C. Depriest and Bennett passed the ball to Rennison who was stopped by Johnson after a gain of nine. Facing third and 11, Bennett again passed the ball which was tipped at the line and intercepted by Johnson, returning possession to West Carroll at the Gleason 30.

S. Depriest was held for no gain by Clint Chenoweth as the first quarter ended with the War Eagles in control with a 7-0 lead. A fumbled snap was recovered by quarterback Chris Cannon. Facing third and 10, Cannon passed the ball to Blake Abercrombie, but the War Eagles were penalized for having an illegal receiver downfield. The War Eagles elected to take their first time-out. Facing third and 16, Gentile was held for a loss of one by Rennison and on fourth down, Cannon’s pass to C Depriest was in and out of his hands, turning the ball over to the Bulldogs at their own 36-yard line.

Wilson took the ball for a gain of three with Coleman and Lott on the tackle. Barber was held for no gain by C. Depriest and on third and seven, Brewer tipped a pass from Bennett which was intended for Rennison, which brought up fourth and seven. Gleason took another time-out and elected to punt. Spain’s punt rolled dead at the West Carroll 47. Gentile reached the Gleason 45 before he was stopped by Alex Bynum. S. Depriest gained 10 with the stop by Wilson. S. Depriest rushed for 13 with Wilson again on the stop. With the ball at the Bulldogs’ 22-yard line, S. Depriest picked up another 13 with Wilson once again on the stop. A fumbled snap was again recovered by Cannon for a gain of three. Cannon attempted two keepers from the one-yard line and was held in check on both by a stubborn Gleason offensive line, but on fourth and one, S. Depriest muscled his way to pay dirt and Keen was perfect on the PAT giving the War Eagles a 14-0 lead at the 4:42 mark of the second quarter.

Taylor’s kick went to Rennison who was stopped on the 36. Wilson gained five before he was stopped by Cunningham. An illegal procedure call moved the ball back to the 36 and Bennett passed incomplete to Rennison. Wilson was stopped by Lott after a gain of one. Facing fourth and nine, Spain punted to Johnson, who signaled for a fair catch.

Cannon began the series with a 10-yard pass to Abercrombie. Gentile gained eight before he was topped and S. Depriest was held for no gain. Facing third and two, C. Depriest took the ball on the reverse for a gain of 14 with Wilson on the tackle. Facing a first and 10 at the Gleason 31, Cannon found Abercrombie, who raced down the sideline for the touchdown at the 1:07 mark. Once again Keen was perfect and the War Eagles now led 21-0.
Gleason began their final series of the half at their own 25 with Wilson stopped by Coleman after a gain of six. Wilson was then held for no gain by Gentile and the half ended with Gleason facing third and four.

During intermission, the home fans were treated to a dance routine by the WCHS cheerleaders and then a performance by the Marching War Eagles salute to the Righteous Brothers.

The third quarter began with the War Eagles Kegan Green kicked the ball to Abercrombie who returned the ball to the West Carroll 39. Gentile gained nine yards before C. Depriest took the ball off tackle and scored the War Eagles fourth touchdown at the 11:15 mark of the third quarter. Keen’s kick was good and the War Eagles now led 28-0.

Taylor’s kick rolled out of bounds and Gleason took over at their own 32. Wilson gained a yard and Woodard gained three, with Karl Erwin making both tackles. Wilson swept left and was stopped by Johnson and Brewer for a loss of one. Facing fourth and five, the ball was punted to the War Eagle 36 where C. Depriest took the first handoff for a gain of seven. Alex Bynum and James Wells made the tackle.
On the reverse, Johnson gained seven and then S. Depriest took the ball for a gain of 15 with Howington on the tackle. With the ball on the Gleason 7, S. Depriest took the ball, and West Carroll picked up a 10-yard penalty. With the ball on the 22, Cannon passed incomplete to Abercrombie and then to S. Depriest in the end zone. Two more passes were also incomplete turning the ball over to Gleason on downs.

West Carroll was ruled offsides on the first down play, moving the ball to the Gleason 27. Wilson was hit by Coleman for no gain and Howington was shaken on the play, leading to an injury time-out. On the halfback option pass by Wilson, Abercrombie intercepted for the War Eagles and reached the Gleason 41. Johnson gained six yards before he was stopped by Rennison and on second and four the ball was intercepted by Bennett for the Bulldogs.

After a penalty was assessed, Gleason took over at its own 38. Wilson picked up a first down after two rushes despite the efforts of Reyes, Cunningham and S. Depriest. S. Depriest sacked Bennett for a loss of five followed by gains of two and one yards by Wilson. Johnson and Erwin made the tackles. On a reverse play, Barber was stopped by Johnson after a gain of three and the ball was turned over on downs.

Cannon picked up five yards as the third quarter ended. On second down, Barber stopped S. Depriest at the Gleason 20 and then after a gain of 14, also by Depriest and a stop by Bynum, C. Depriet took the ball into the end zone from six yards out and Keen’s kick was good to put the War Eagles up 35-0.

Taylor’s kick to David Dycus waws stopped at the 20 by Thompson and Johnson. Wilson picked up six with Joe Johnson and Jeremy Sonnier on the stop. Wilson was able to gain a first down at the 41 before Taylor and Sonnier made the tackle. Wilson picked up another seven yards before he was brought down by Joe Gentile. The Bulldogs were penalized for illegal motion and then Wilson ran the ball to the War Eagle 39 and out of bounds. Wilson fumbled on the first down play, but Josh Verdell recovered for the Bulldogs. With the ball at the 37 and facing second and eight, Barber took the ball and rushed the needed yardage for the touchdown at the 6:07 mark of the fourth period. The snap was fumbled and the Dawgs attempted to run for the two-point conversion, but were unable to convert and the War Eagles now led 35-6.

The Bulldogs attempted an onsides kick with Abercrombie getting the ball for the War Eagles.

With substitutes in the game, C. Depriest as quarterback handed the ball to Dustin Seay at the 43 and he was held for no gain. However on second down, Wade Holladay took the ball and was held by the Bulldogs, also for no gain. Facing third and 10 from the West Carroll 43, Seay ran off tackle and scored. The two-point conversion attempt was stopped and the Dawgs as West Carroll took a 41-6 lead at the 3:26 mark of the fourth quarter.
With a final series in their hands, the Bulldogs depended mainly on Wilson, but Bynum also rushed for seven yards as the Bulldogs took the ball to the War Eagle 28 before time expired and West Carroll winning the game 41-6.

This Friday night, the War Eagles will travel to Perry County for a non-region game. The Bulldogs will travel to Trinity Christian Academy. The Dawgs fell to 0-5 while the War Eagles improved to 3-1 overall and 2-0 in regional action.

A small NAIA school, largely associated with its basketball and baseball programs, Lambuth decided to dip its toe in the football pool 15 years ago or so. It played bigger schools to get some funding (Lambuth once played at Alabama-Birmingham) and developed into a championship power in the NAIA.

Saturday, Bethel College, in its 11th season of college football, having slalomed in and out of different football leagues, could have defeated the Eagles on their own L.L. Fonville Field.

Lambuth escaped the pesky Wildcats 24-14.

True, BC may be off to an 0-4 start, even semi-educated football fans realize that it could easily be 3-1 at this point.

"We should have won the game," said Bethel coach Dino Kaklis, who stepped in exactly a year ago when Brad Senter resigned. "We had opportunities; we did some things well and did some things not so well. But we've cut down on our mistakes."

In the season opener, Bethel turnovers essentially handed NCAA 1-AA nationally-ranked Nicholls State 30 points in a 70-0 whitewash. The Wildcats fell in a hole against nationally-ranked Bacone, but clawed back into the game. In a shootout, BC fell by 11, 52-41. A week later, against nationally-ranked Campbellsville, Bethel made some breaks, answered a time or two, but didn't have enough in a 31-20 loss.

Against nationally-ranked Lambuth, Bethel mistakes, mostly attributable to youth, proved costly as the Eagles won by 10.
"Everybody we play is ranked," Kaklis said. "But we could be 3-1 against ranked teams. We are just a few plays away from being 3-1."

And the Wildcats are catching the eye and respect of those around the Mid South Conference as well as the NAIA. Last week, freshman quarterback Brent Dearmon threw for 409 yards and three TDs and was named offensive player of the week. A week before, Darren Adderly had six tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery against Bacone, earning him defensive honors.
"Last week we had an opportunity to grab the game, but a lot of that has to do with youthfulness," said Kaklis. "But we have an awful lot of freshman playing up front and we're still an eyelash away."

Kaklis said that the Wildcats missed "a gazillion tackles," but a lot of that can be attributed to the fact that the BC defenders were surprised to get to the hole so fast. Many times BC tacklers were stunned to see the ballcarrier in such close proximity that they just missed.

"When we break down the film and see all the woulda-coulda-shouldas, they start to see how close we are," the coach said. "When opportunity knocks, we have to answer."

Bethel has a road trip to Pikeville (Ky.) this Saturday. Pikeville is a ranked contender as well, but it's a game that the Wildcats have circled.

"We're geared into what they are doing and they (Pikeville) haven't really been tested yet," Kaklis said. "They are young as well."

But the Bethel coach thinks a domino effect will commence once his team pockets a victory.

"I think it will snowball," he said. "We are 0-4 right now, but we definitely see a light at the end of the tunnel."

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