Sarah Hawbaker
Lindsborg News Record

Despite a 19-7 lead as halftime neared, the Bethany College football Swedes would go on to allow four Avila University touchdowns for the 19-35 loss.

Avila was first on the board with a seven-yard run just five minutes into the game. The Swedes answered back with two Kevin Retchless field goals in the first quarter to close the gap.

The second quarter was good to Bethany as the Swedes tacked on two TD's. Despite one failed PAT, Bethany held a solid 19-7 lead over Avila with just over a minute left in the half.

With four seconds left in the second quarter, Avila scored on a short five-yard pass, bringing the Eagles within five at the break.

Avila chalked up seven points in the third quarter to take a 21-19 lead over Bethany. The lead would remain with the Eagles for the rest of the game.

The fourth quarter gave Avila two more touchdowns for a 35-19 win over Bethany College.

Bethany College Head Football Coach Jamie Cruce said his Swedes played very poorly in all aspects of Saturday's game.

"We will need better focus and execution in order to try to improve throughout the year," Cruce said. He added that his offensive line must get healthy as well.

The Swedes, who now are 1-2 in conference play and 2-3 overall, had an abnormally large amount of missed tackles and dropped passes against Avila according to Cruce.

The Swedes travel to the University of Saint Mary on Oct. 6 for a 1:30 p.m. competition. The team returns to Anderson Stadium for Homecoming weekend Oct. 13 at 1:30 p.m.