Image via Bethune-Cookman Athletics
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Bethune-Cookman University responded to its season-opening loss with a statement performance Saturday night, as the Wildcats defeated Stetson 43-18 in the first meeting between the two programs.
After being held to just six points against UCF in Week 1, Bethune-Cookman found its offensive rhythm against the Hatters and exploded for 29 fourth-quarter points to pull away.
The Wildcats improved to 1-1 on the season, while Stetson fell to 0-2.
Bethune-Cookman 43, Stetson 18
| Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | Final |
| Stetson | 3 | 7 | 0 | 8 | 18 |
| Bethune-Cookman | 7 | 7 | 7 | 22 | 43 |
Wildcats Take Control Late
Bethune-Cookman opened the scoring in the first quarter when Rashon Brown punched in a 1-yard touchdown run.
Brown added another touchdown in the second quarter, this time from eight yards out, giving the Wildcats a 14-3 advantage.
Stetson answered with a touchdown run from Troy Flowers, cutting the deficit to 14-10 heading into halftime.
Bethune-Cookman extended its lead in the third quarter when Brown completed his impressive night with his third rushing touchdown, giving the Wildcats a 21-10 advantage entering the final period.
Then the fourth quarter belonged to B-CU.
Fourth-Quarter Explosion
Bethune-Cookman scored 22 points in the fourth quarter, turning a competitive game into a runaway victory.
Josh Evans opened the scoring with a 45-yard touchdown reception from Amari Jones.
After a Ryder Goodwin 28-yard field goal, Isaiah Daniel found the end zone from eight yards out.
Stetson responded with a 27-yard touchdown reception from Thomas von Grote to Landon Farco, followed by a successful two-point conversion.
But the Wildcats weren’t finished.
Daniel added his second rushing touchdown of the quarter, a 12-yard score, putting the finishing touches on the 43-18 victory.
⭐ Players Who Stood Out
Rashon Brown — Bethune-Cookman
Brown powered the Wildcats’ early offense with three rushing touchdowns, giving B-CU the spark it needed after a difficult Week 1.
Isaiah Daniel — Bethune-Cookman
Daniel took over in the fourth quarter, scoring two rushing touchdowns as Bethune-Cookman pulled away.
Josh Evans — Bethune-Cookman
Evans provided the game’s explosive passing play with a 45-yard touchdown reception.
Tre Rigby — Bethune-Cookman
Rigby provided a huge special-teams moment with a 73-yard kickoff return, setting up the Wildcats’ opening touchdown.
The Takeaway
Bethune-Cookman couldn’t have asked for a much better response after its Week 1 matchup with UCF.
The Wildcats scored only six points in their opener.
Saturday night?
43 points.
The offense found the end zone repeatedly, the Wildcats dominated the fourth quarter, and B-CU walked away with its first victory of the season.
Bethune-Cookman 43, Stetson 18.
