Bethel Christian blasts Community Christian 72-0

Josh Sutton runs for a 73-yard touchdown in the first quarter of Monday's game against Wilson Community Christian. Photo by William ‘Bud’ Hardy / Neuse News

For Bethel Christian Academy, Monday’s game against Community Christian was the appetizer before Friday’s main course.

The Trojans steamrolled the outmanned visitors from Wilson 72-0, setting up a rematch with defending 1A state champion Northeast Academy, who beat Bethel three times, including a 30-26 win in the NCISAA 1A semifinals.

“We’ve been looking forward to another chance at Northeast, but we knew we had to take care of business tonight first,” Bethel coach Brick Crowder said. “We can’t overlook anybody, so I’m proud of the way we came out strong, built a big early lead, and didn’t get caught looking ahead.”

The Trojans (2-0) exploded for 48 first quarter points, triggering a running clock that commenced in the second quarter with the blessing of both coaches.

Josh Sutton carried just five times but rolled up 113 yards, including a 73-yard scamper in which he broke a tackle in the backfield and then cruised untouched down the left sideline.

Sutton also tallied the Trojans’ first TD on an 8-yard jaunt just 3 minutes into the game.

Zack Boyd found the end zone three times for Bethel, once each on offense, defense, and special teams.

The 6-0, 210-pound junior bolted 34 yards for a TD from his fullback position, returned an interception 30 yards for a score, and took the second-half kickoff 61 yards to paydirt to cap a brilliant outing.

Rodney Warren (19-yard run), Conner Williams (27-yard pick-6), Jalen Simms (33-yard run), and Quan Hamilton (39-yard pass from Williams) also crossed the goal line for Bethel.

“It was a conference win, which was big, and we were able to play a lot of younger kids and get them some experience,” Crowder said. “Everyone seems to be healthy and now we can turn our focus to Northeast. It’s a huge game on a short week, but I know we’ll be ready.” 

Bethel Christian 72, Community Christian 0

Community Christian    0    0    0    0—0

Bethel Christian        48    8    16    0—72

First Quarter

B — Josh Sutton 8 run (Zack Boyd run), 9:13

B — Boyd 34 run (Quan Hamilton pass from Conner Williams), 7:41

B — Rodney Warren 19 run (Jeremiah Washington pass from Williams), 7:25

B — Sutton 73 run (Hamilton pass from Williams), 4:04

B — Boyd 30 interception return (Washington pass from Williams), 3:09

B — Hamilton 39 pass from Williams (Washington pass from Williams), :52.4

Second Quarter

B — Williams 27 interception return (Logan Bullock run), 9:26

Third Quarter

B — Boyd 61 kickoff return (Bullock run), 11:29

B — Jalen Sims 33 run (Colby Eubanks run), 3:08

        CC    BCA                               

First Downs    3    7

Rushes-yards    25-6    19-209

Passing        1-5-2    1-1-0

Passing yards    15    39

Total yards    21    248

Punts-avg    4-21.8    0-0

Penalties    1-5    8-85

Fumbles-lost    4-2    3-1

Individual Statistics

RUSHING — Community Christian: Copeland Farmer 12-10, Landon Beaman 5-1, Noah Pierce 5-0, Trey Barnes 3-(minus 5). Bethel: Josh Sutton 5-113, Zack Boyd 1-34, Jalen Sims 1-33, Rodney Warren 1-19, Easton Truett 4-8, Logan Bullock 1-2, Leland Barrow 5-0, Colby Eubanks 1-0.

PASSING — Community Christian: Beaman 1-4-1 15, Pierce 0-1-1 0. Bethel: Conner Williams 1-1-0 39.

RECEIVING — Community Christian: Farmer 1-15. Bethel: Quan Hamilton 1-39.