Point Football falls to #8 Bethel in Season Opener
MCKENZIE, TENN. (Aug. 31, 2024) - The Point University Football team opened their 2024 Season on the road in a non-conference matchup against #8 Bethel University where the Skyhawks fell to the Wildcats with a final score of 20-6.
The First Quarter opened with both teams forcing three and outs on the first drives. As both teams looked to find their rhythm on the offensive end, the Wildcats jumped a pass near the sideline to take an interception back for a touchdown. Bethel's point after try was successful to bring their lead to a score of 7-0. Antwuan Clayton began to get a few quick passes with the longest being a 10-yard completion to Quintravious Teasley. An incomplete pass would end the drive's momentum and force a punt from Matthew Moses. The Wildcats looked to drive the ball down the field before the half. Two big plays brought Bethel within scoring distance in the red zone but the defense of Point held the Wildcats out of the endzone and forced a missed field goal to keep the lead at 7-0 at the break.
Point's offense entered the second half with multiple 10+ yard plays to get their first drive going but a penalty and sack pushed the yards back. Bethel's first offensive drive was not much action as a tackle for loss and sack from Promise Williams halted any momentum for the Wildcats. The Skyhawks' next offensive drive saw Antwuan Clayton connect three big plays in the air with Nicholas Marien, Shawn Jones Jr., and Quintravious Teasley. With Point in the red zone, Bethel's defense forced multiple incompletions and a missed field goal from Point. As the Wildcats entered the fourth quarter, Bethel moved the ball within distance to set up a big play. On a play that looked like a speed sweep would turn into a trick play for a long bomb down the field for the touchdown. A converted field goal brought the Wildcats' lead to 14-0. The following drive saw Antwuan Clayton connect with Wesley Jones Jr. For a 28-yard reception to move the ball. On a third and long, Clayton found his target in Quintravious Teasley through the middle for a 34-yard touchdown. The field goal would not soar through the uprights to bring the score to 14-6. Point's defense continued to make Bethel uncomfortable as Promise Williams opened the drive with a sack. On a third and long, Kemorion Larkin swarmed in for the tackle which forced the Wildcats to punt with 11:26 left. The Skyhawks looked to move the ball but multiple incomplete passes and interception ended the offensive drive. The Wildcats took the ball back on offense and used the rushing attack to milk the clock and move the ball. In the red zone, Bethel found their way in for a touchdown on the quick out. With 5:32 left, A missed field goal from Bethel would bring the score to 20-6. Point took the field on offense where they drew up a pretty wheel play for Nicholas Marien but a bobble on the catch forced an interception to give Bethel the ball back. The Wildcats would hold the Skyhawks to just six points and not allow any more momentum to win the game with a final score of 20-6.
In the Box
Freshman, Antwuan Clayton made the start at Quarterback going 12-for-35 with 173 Passing yards and One Touchdown. In the run game, Jace Grant led with three rushes for 22 yards. In the air, Quintravious Teasley proved to be a dependable target with five receptions for 96 yards and one touchdown. Wesley Jones Jr. Followed with one reception for 28 yards. Defensively, Kemorion Larkin led with 14 tackles (13 solo and one team). Promise Williams returned to the field after a year-long injury kept him out of the 2023 season and he proved to be on a mission. Williams added five tackles, two sacks, and two tackles for loss. Cortez Thomas contributed with four tackles, two sacks, and two and a half tackles for loss.
Up Next
The Point University Football Team will return to the field for their home opener at the Ram Stadium on Saturday, September 7 starting at Noon against #20 Lindsey Wilson College. This game will also be Frontline Warriors Day where First Responders will be honored.