MCKENZIE, Tenn. – It was a beautiful day for college football on the campus of Bethel University as the much-anticipated Day of Dedication arrived. Family, friends, and fans gathered for the announcement of Walter Butler Stadium, a tribute to a beloved member of the community who had dedicated his life to supporting local sports. The Butler family, with their hearts full of pride, arrived early, eager to witness the tribute to their patriarch.
At precisely 11 a.m. the crowd hushed as University President Perry Moulds stepped to the podium, his voice ringing out across the entrance of the stadium He spoke of Walter Butler’s unwavering commitment to the community, his tireless efforts in supporting student-athletes, and his passion for fostering a sense of unity through sports.
As the ceremony concluded, the atmosphere shifted to one of excitement as fans settled into their seats for the Homecoming football game between the Wildcats and the Campbellsville Tigers. The air was electric with anticipation as the game promised to be a thrilling contest.
It was a defensive battle until the last two minutes of the second quarter. Tiger quarterback, Jagger Gillis, found his stride with two touchdown passes. By the end of the first half, Gillis had already thrown for 157 yards, leading the Tigers to a 14-0 lead.
The turning point came at the 1:53 mark in the second quarter when Gillis connected with Tre Bass for a stunning 46-yard touchdown reception. Bass sprinted past the defensive backs, catching the ball in stride and dashing into the end zone. Just 53 seconds later, Gillis struck again, this time finding Luke Sheperson for a 13-yard touchdown. With both extra points converted by Colin Fratus, the Tigers had established a two-touchdown lead.
The Wildcats came out determined after halftime, and their defense stepped up with a crucial stop at their own 24-yard line, stifling the Tigers’ momentum. Fueled by the home crowd’s energy, the Wildcats embarked on a 76-yard drive. Quarterback Kade Hewitt and running back Jordan Cason led the charge, showcasing grit and determination. Hewitt capped off the drive with a powerful two-yard touchdown run, bringing the score to 14-7 and igniting the Wildcat fan base.
The Wildcat defense continued to hold strong, keeping the Tigers at bay. With 8:54 remaining in the fourth quarter, kicker Oziel Hernandez nailed a field goal from 37 yards out to make it 14-10. The crowd loved it, sensing a potential comeback.
With time winding down, the Wildcats fought valiantly, but despite their best efforts, they couldn’t secure key stops they needed. The Tigers maintained possession, running out the clock and ultimately sealing the game at 14-10.
As the final whistle blew, the Wildcats fell just short, but the spirit of the day remained. The dedication of Walter Butler Stadium served as a reminder that while victories are cherished, the heart and soul of the community—captured in the spirit of the game—would always prevail. The Butler family, proud and emotional, knew their father’s legacy would forever resonate in this place, inspiring countless athletes to strive for greatness.
Bethel’s postseason hopes took a took a blow as the No. 25 Wildcats fell to 5-3 and 1-3 in the MSC. It was Bethel’s third straight loss. The Tigers moved to 8-1 and 3-1.
Coach Michael Jasper summed up his thoughts on the game. “It was a great day for football in Walter Butler Stadium. We are proud of the way our guys fought but we have to find ways to execute in every phase, not just here and there.”
The Wildcats travel to Columbia next week to face Lindsey Wilson.
By the Numbers:
Wildcats: Quarterback: Kade Hewitt
- Rushing: 30 carries for 83 yards
- Passing: Two completions on 12 attempts for 22 yards
- Running Back: Jordan Cason
- Rushing: 16 carries for 92 yards
- Wide Receiver: Shawne Jones
- Receptions: Two catches for 22 yards
Wildcats:
- Total Offense: 212 yards
Tigers:
- Total Offense: 297 yards