MCKENZIE, Tenn. – The University of Pikeville and Bethel football teams are both well rested after a pair of open weeks, but now it's back to business as the two non-divisional Mid-South Conference foes square off at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday at Wildcat Stadium.
Bethel enters the contest with a 1-5 overall record and 0-2 mark in the MSC West Division, while UPIKE is 2-4 overall and 2-1 in the MSC East. The Bears won last season's matchup 35-24 after building a 21-7 lead in just the first quarter before Nu'Keese Richardson returned a punt for a score in the fourth quarter to seal the win from the comeback-minded Wildcats.
That loss for Bethel was part of a nine-game losing streak that was snapped in its last game, travelling to Bluefield (Va.) for a 49-21 win. Prior to that the Wildcats had lost 63-35 to Reinhardt (Ga.) and 44-3 to Campbellsville (Ky.), making the win over the Rams crucial to gaining some positive momentum.
UPIKE wasn't as fortunate its last time out, losing 36-30 in overtime against then-No. 14 Cumberland. The Bears led 30-14 heading into the final quarter, but were outscored 16-0 in the frame to force overtime where it lost after the first possession.
There are a few ways to keep up with Saturday's tilt at Bethel, including live audio on ZRock 107.5 FM either over the air in Pikeville or through an online stream, while live updates will also be posted on the @UPIKEAthletics Twitter account. A tape-delayed version of the game will be shown on Pike TV next week.
