In a thrilling Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) football showdown under the bright lights at Daytona Stadium, Bethune-Cookman delivered an electrifying performance, securing a 20-7 victory over visiting Mississippi Valley State. This epic battle unfolded on a Thursday evening, gracing the screens of ESPNU as part of the SWAC’s esteemed Thursday night football lineup, generously shared with the ESPN Family of Networks.
As the exhilarating contest unfolded, all eyes were on Bethune-Cookman Head Coach Raymond Woodie Jr., who was ardently seeking his inaugural SWAC victory. The first-year head coach did not disappoint, igniting the fervor of the 4,380-strong crowd gathered for the annual “Black-Out” event. This exciting victory further solidified the Wildcats’ prowess in Thursday night games, boasting an impressive 7-2 record since 2010.
Bethune-Cookman, with a season record of 2-7 and a conference record of 1-5 in the SWAC, wasted no time in making their mark. The opening quarter saw the Wildcats seize the initiative, capitalizing on a missed fourth-down conversion attempt by Mississippi Valley State (1-8, 1-5 SWAC). With remarkable efficiency, the Wildcats needed only two plays to strike gold. Mar’Kai Shaw, operating from the running back position, delivered a spectacular 41-yard touchdown pass to Tink Boyd, followed by a perfect extra point from Cade Hechter. At this point, BCU surged ahead, leading 7-0 with 7:27 left in the first quarter.
BCU’s dominance continued into the second quarter as they extended their lead to 14-0. Omari Hill-Robinson’s interception at the MVSU 47-yard line set the stage for a remarkable sequence of plays. Tylik Bethea connected with Jalen Brown for a 14-yard gain, and Shaw followed with a nine-yard rushing touchdown, solidifying the Wildcats’ advantage. Boyd secured another touchdown with an impressive catch in the back of the end zone, contributing to the 14-point lead.
The Wildcats kept their momentum alive with a nine-play drive spanning 77 yards, culminating in a 20-yard field goal from Hechter, bringing the score to 17-0. This lead remained intact as both teams retreated to the locker room at halftime.
In the second half, Mississippi Valley State mounted a spirited comeback effort, embarking on a nine-play, 60-yard drive that culminated in a touchdown. Jared Wilson’s one-yard plunge up the middle and Alexander Davis’s extra point brought the Delta Devils to within 17-7.
But Bethune-Cookman wasn’t finished. Another interception, this time by Darnell Deas, paved the way for a scoring opportunity. Four plays later, Hechter added a 21-yard field goal, expanding the Wildcats’ lead to 20-7.
MVSU was led by Jared Wilson’s 55 rushing yards and Jaydyn Sisk’s 174 passing yards, while Jaxson Davis stood out with five receptions for 92 yards. The Delta Devils’ defense was anchored by Omar Emmons, who tallied an impressive nine tackles.
For BCU, Tylik Bethea’s performance shone bright, with 136 passing yards on 12 of 18 attempts, coupled with a touchdown. Jimmie Robinson III contributed 61 rushing yards on 19 carries, and Tink Boyd stood out with four receptions for 76 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The Wildcats’ defense was a force to be reckoned with, led by the dynamic Dearis Thomas, who recorded 11 tackles, while Ja’Bari Jaudon, Iverson Clement, Stephen Sparrow, and Conroy Cunningham each contributed seven tackles.
Bethune-Cookman fans can eagerly anticipate their team’s next showdown on Saturday, November 12, at 1 p.m., when they host SWAC rival Alabama A&M at Daytona Stadium. The Wildcats are poised for another exciting chapter in their quest for SWAC supremacy.
