It was a busy Saturday for the Cottey Comets, taking on a road doubleheader, first versus the Bethel Threshers, and then Hesston Junior College. The Comets would take down Hesston 20-0 in a solid shutout, before following up in the contest against Bethel.
From the opening snap, both defenses set the tone early, forcing punts and incomplete passes in a scoreless first quarter until Cottey finally cracked the end zone. Quarterback Raniya Griffen found Lesley Chalmers for a 29-yard touchdown with just over a minute left in the first, putting Cottey up 6-0 after a failed PAT.
Bethel's next drive struggled to gain momentum, and their woes only deepened. On their final possession of the first half, the Threshers' offense turned the ball over in devastating fashion: Longman's pass was intercepted by Jonalynn Tolentino, who returned it 24 yards for a pick-six. The PAT attempt came up short, but Cottey took a 12-0 lead into halftime.
The second half opened with Cottey continuing to pressure Bethel's offense and control the clock. Griffen, showing poise and versatility, engineered a 66-yard drive capped off by a pinpoint touchdown pass to Alina Jeanbaptiste, and this time the PAT was good, stretching the lead to 20-0.
Cottey wasn't done yet. After forcing another turnover on downs, Griffen connected with Tahmya Squire late in the third quarter for a 17-yard touchdown. A successful two-point conversion to Tolentino put the Comets firmly in command, 28-0.
Bethel's offense, plagued by dropped passes and a relentless Cottey pass rush, couldn't break through. Despite a few bright moments from receivers Kathryn Schmidt and Xavia Mann, the Threshers repeatedly stalled in the red zone and were often forced into punts and turnovers.
The Cottey defense deserves credit for their sharp execution, tallying multiple sacks, forced fumbles, and two interceptions — including Tolentino's game-changing pick-six.
Griffen would lead all players with 113 passing yards, including 3 Touchdowns. Alyssa Hollis was the leading rusher with 34 yards. Lesley Chalmers was the leading receiver from her lone catch that went for 29 yards and a touchdown.
The Comets record lifts to 4-8 Overall, 3-8 in KCAC play. They return to the road for a contest with Pratt Community College on Wednesday.
