Turnovers proved to be the story of the game as the number two KCAC-ranked McPherson College Bulldogs defeated Bethany 44-17 as the Swedes ended the season with six consecutive losses.

"We are disappointed in how the season ended, not being able to get a win on the road," said head coach Jamie Cruce, "but we are very pleased with how our kids battled against arguably two of the best teams in the country."

McPherson jumped out to a quick 10-0 lead, but Bethany answered back as sophomore DeWayne Autrey found the end zone on a one-yard run. The Bulldogs responded early in the second quarter on a touchdown off an interception by senior quarterback Steven Baker. McPherson tacked on two more touchdowns to take a 30-7 lead at halftime.

The Swedes opened up the second half with back-to-back interceptions returned for touchdowns, increasing the Bulldogs lead to 44-7. Bethany tacked on a field goal early in the fourth, and again scored late in the game as Autrey connected with junior Sean Johnson on a three-yard pass. That would prove to be the final score of the game as Bethany fell 44-17.

Baker was 22 for 36, good for 233 yards and four interceptions. Sophomore Oshane Malcolm rushed for 32 yards off 18 carries as Autrey added 20 yards on 14 carries. Junior Robert Anderson totaled 127 yards on 11 receptions. Freshman Brandon Martino calculated 47 yards on four catches as S. Johnson gathered 39 yards and a touchdown off six receptions.

Sophomore Milton Collins had a team-high six unassisted tackles while junior Jeffrey Simplice added two unassisted and four assisted tackles. Seniors Jamil Owens and Michael Terry and sophomore Jorge Monzon all had four tackles. Monzon, Autrey, and junior Marvin Barnes each had one interception on the afternoon, and Barnes added a fumble recovery.

"We played pretty well in the last two games, especially in the second half," Cruce said. "Some young guys stepped up and really began to develop in the second half of the season. We are sad to see the seniors go. We wish them the best in their future."

The Swedes ended 3-6 in the KCAC, in sixth place, and 4-6 overall.

"We are looking forward to working with our young guys this spring and hitting the road recruiting," said Cruce. "We have a lot of good players, and we need to add a little bit of talent in a few positions. Other than that, we are looking forward to working with our returning players."