Wildcats Ground Dragons in Season Opener, 16-3

By Joel Washburn • August 31, 2026 • Updated September 2, 2026

From the Sep 1, 2026 e-Edition

Photo by Sean Anthony Hines

McKENZIE, Tenn. (August 29) – The Bethel Wildcats opened the 2026 season with a strong defensive performance, defeating the Lane College Dragons 16-3 Saturday night at Walter Butler Stadium. The victory was in front of one of the largest crowds in Wildcat history.

Bethel controlled the contest statistically, outgaining Lane 351-162 and limiting the Dragons to just 80 rushing yards and 82 yards through the air. The Wildcats recorded 26 first downs while holding Lane to 12.

The Wildcats struck first when Silas Teat connected with Micah Jones for a nine-yard touchdown with 10:34 remaining in the opening quarter. The extra-point attempt failed, giving Bethel a 6-0 advantage.

Bethel extended the lead less than three minutes later when Ryan Kirk scored on a two-yard run. Zachary Clutch added the extra point to make it 13-0.

Lane’s only points came on a 20-yard field goal by Noah Hernandez with 2:03 remaining in the first quarter.

Clutch completed the scoring with a 25-yard field goal at the 12:15 mark of the second quarter, giving Bethel a 16-3 halftime advantage. Neither team scored during the second half.

Kirk carried the offensive load for the Wildcats, rushing 29 times for 121 yards and a touchdown. He also caught five passes for 39 yards.

Teat completed 23 of 30 passes for 225 yards and one touchdown. Zion Bryan led the Bethel receiving corps with eight catches for 98 yards, including a 50-yard reception. Jones finished with three catches for 41 yards and the game’s opening touchdown, while Kealan Polk added three receptions for 42 yards.

The Bethel defense held Lane scoreless over the final three quarters. Jordan Jackson led the Wildcats with five tackles, while Detarius Douglas, Brandon Hall, Zhalyn Copes and Darrell Howard recorded four stops each. Copes and Howard combined for Bethel’s lone sack.

Durrell Miller forced two fumbles and recovered one for the Wildcats. Bethel also held Lane to 4-of-12 on third-down attempts.

Bethel possessed the football for 34 minutes and 23 seconds and ran 71 offensive plays compared to Lane’s 52. An announced crowd of 800 attended the season opener.

The Wildcats improved to 1-0 and will return to action Saturday, September 12, hosting Keiser University at 3 p.m. at Walter Butler Stadium.