Bethel Christian clinches playoff spot with win over Community Christian

WILSON — Bethel Christian Academy is playoff-bound for the second time since bringing football back.

The Trojans clinched a postseason berth after a 58-30 victory over Wilson Community Christian Friday on the road. Bethel (3-3) reinstated the football program in 2016, winning the NCISAA 1A title in the process and after a one-win season last year, the Trojans have rectified matters in 2018.

“It was a great win and the guys were able to clinch a spot in the state playoffs, which was great for them,” Bethel coach Brick Crowder said.

The Cyclones (1-6) fell to the Trojans 76-18 on Sept. 11, but took a 16-14 advantage with 5:57 remaining in the first quarter after a 58-yard touchdown run from Reece Bartlett. BCA scored 47 seconds later on a 56-yard pass from Connor Williams to Josh Sutton to retake the lead, then took momentum completely early in the second quarter after a Cody Dunk interception.

Three plays later, Williams found Quan Hamilton for a 99-yard touchdown, part of a streak of 42 unanswered points.

“Cody made a tremendous interception and then Connor hit Quan in stride with a great pass,” Crowder said. “We never looked back from there.”

Bethel was up 36-16 at the half and built its lead as high as 36 points in the contest. Williams was 7-of-11 for 260 yards and three touchdowns with Hamilton catching three passes for 152 yards and a score. Sutton had 156 yards offensively and three touchdowns, two from receptions.

The Trojans close out the regular season Oct. 19 with Pungo Christian Academy at home.