"Watching film, Friends is extremely talented," said head coach Jamie Cruce. "We had a hard time matching their athleticism on the defensive line. Protection was an issue for sure."

Bethany opened the game with what looked to be a promising starting drive, but the Swedes could not find the end zone. After their first initial drive, the squad struggled to move the ball the rest of the contest. "We weren't exceptionally sharp throwing the ball," Cruce said, "partially because of the pressure."

The Falcons had a 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter before tacking on 22 points in the second. Bethany held Friends scoreless in the third before giving up ten points in the fourth, and the Swedes were handed their third consecutive loss of the 2009 campaign.

"The defense struggled as a lot of the game was short field," said Cruce. "The offense was struggling, so the defense was on a lot of the day."

Friends held Bethany to a mere eight rushing yards on the day. Senior Steven Baker threw for 191 yards, completing 18 of 47 passes with six interceptions and two fumbles. Freshman James Johnson and junior Sean Johnson each had five catches for 62 yards and 57 yards, respectively. Junior Robert Anderson, returning from injury, caught four passes for 37 yards.

Sophomore Josh Knight boomed seven punts for 207 yards. Sophomore DeWayne Autry returned four kicks for 90 yards, with 61 yards as the longest.

Senior Jamil Owens had one fumble recovery while freshman Terrance Henderson and junior Marvin Barnes each had interceptions. Junior Jeffrey Simplice totaled 11 unassisted tackles and eight assisted, followed by sophomore Milton Collins with five unassisted and six assisted. Autry totaled three assisted and four assisted as senior Anthony McLawyer contributed five unassisted and one assisted.

The squad is now 3-3 in the KCAC, giving them fourth place, and 4-3overall. They next host Sterling College on Saturday, October 31 at 1:30 p.m.

"Sterling runs an option, which we need to get prepared for, and their defense runs a 3-4 scheme creating pressure off the edge," Cruce said. "The defense isn't anything we haven't seen, but the offense is a lot different than what we have been playing against. Our defense is going to have to be prepared and assignment sound for Saturday."