WICHITA, Kan. — The Friends University Falcons dominated the Bethel College Threshers with a decisive 62-0 victory at Adair-Austin Stadium, highlighted by eight rushing touchdowns and 535 yards of total offense.
Friends took the lead early in the first quarter with a 47-yard scoring burst by
Kaden Rigsby at 11:37, followed by a successful extra point by
Truitt Bosher. The Falcons then orchestrated a methodical drive that culminated in a 15-yard touchdown run by
K'Vonte Baker as time expired in the quarter, with another successful extra point by Bosher, giving Friends a 14-0 advantage at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter began with a defensive highlight as Friends'
Joshua Flash intercepted a pass from Bethel's Byron Reese at the Friends' 44-yard line. This turnover set the stage for the Falcons to capitalize, culminating in Baker's 21-yard touchdown run. After a quick possession by the Threshers, Friends continued their offensive momentum with another touchdown by Baker, this time a 9-yard rush, extending the lead in the quarter. The Friends defense remained resilient, with
Kasey Lehman intercepting another pass from Reese with 43 seconds left, securing a commanding 27-0 lead by halftime.
The third quarter began with the Falcons capitalizing on a fumble, leading to
Taeylon Garland's recovery and a subsequent 14-yard touchdown run by
Nick Cordova just 56 seconds into the second half. Friends continued their surge with another touchdown when Flash recovered a fumble in the end zone that made it 41-0.
Elon Conley extended Friends' lead with a 9-yard touchdown run and the final scoring play of the period saw
DJ Dingle rush 17 yards into the end zone to cap a dominant quarter for Friends and make it 55-0.
The fourth quarter began with an interception by
Anthony Johnson, giving the Falcons possession at the Threshers' 43-yard line. Then with just under two minutes remaining, Conley delivered a 60-yard touchdown run for Friends to bow on the victory and make the Falcons 3-0 on the season.
The Falcons will next play at Tabor College next Saturday evening (Sept. 20) at 6 pm in Hillsboro, Kan.
Friends Top Performers
K'Vonte Baker
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- 84 rushing yards on 12 attempts
- 3 rushing touchdowns
- 23 passing yards
Elon Conley
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- 107 rushing yards on 9 attempts
- 2 rushing touchdowns
Joshua Flash
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- 1 rushing touchdown
- 1 interception
- 1 fumble recovery
Tyson Wallace
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- 8 total tackles
Truitt Bosher
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- 8-for-8 on PATs