BETHANY – The Bethany defense forced four takeaways en route to a 44-6 win over John Marshall Friday (Sept. 6).

Senior Jackie Payne and sophomore Wyatt Keefer each had an interception. Senior Jackson Dull and junior Judson Gilliland each recovered fumbles for the Bronchos.

Seniors Charlie Tolle and Dull each had four tackles. Dull had two tackles for loss. Junior Chase Clanton and freshman Breck Brady each had three tackles.

Senior Ben Sailer, juniorAdan Guzman and sophomores Ozzie Brown, Gabe Baxter and Carson McMillan each picked up a tackle.

Payne was efficient at quarterback, completing 7-of-10 for 101 yards and a score. Gilliland completed 1-of-2 for 15 yards.

Gilliland rushed for 114 yards on the ground on 11 carries with three touchdowns. Payne added 15 yards and a touchdown.

Payne’s biggest connections in the air was senior Wyatt Geissler with three catches for 41 yards. Fellow senior Garrett Johnson added two receptions for 39 yards. Another senior, Brock Cross, caught two passes for 25 yards.

EARLY STATS

Through two games, Bethany is averaging 178.5 yards in the air and 161.5 yards on the ground. The Bethany defense has four interceptions total and two fumble recoveries.

UNDEFEATED JONES UP NEXT

Bethany plays its last non-district game this Friday (Sept. 13) against 2A Jones. The Longhorns boast a 51-6 rout over Luther and a 33-0 win over Kiefer. In two games, Jones has averaged 180 yards on the ground and 236 yards a game in the air.

The Bronchos are halfway through their long road stretch. After the Longhorns, Bethany has a bye week. Following that the Bronchos begin 4A-2 district play with two road games before returning home Oct. 11.

Photographs courtesy of Kristie Escoe of Life in Action Photography.