Bean comes away with 21 tackle in loss to Coyotes

SALINA, Kan. — Kansas Wesleyan University blanked Sterling College 35-0 on Saturday, Oct. 25 at Bissell Field. The Coyotes controlled the game with 481 total offensive yards and four rushing touchdowns, while Sterling's defensive effort included recovering two fumbles, but the team was unable to capitalize offensively.

The game opened with Sterling receiving the kickoff, and Derek Bean returned it 25 yards to set up the initial drive at their own 25-yard line. However, the drive stalled, leading to a punt by Mason Cobb. Kansas Wesleyan's subsequent drive was halted when Bean sacked the quarterback, causing a fumble that was recovered by DaMontae Muse, shifting momentum back to Sterling.

Sterling capitalized on the turnover with Rocklin Baptista connecting with Patrick Clarkson for a 16-yard gain, advancing the ball to midfield. Despite this progress, the drive concluded with a punt. Kansas Wesleyan regained possession but was unable to capitalize, allowing Sterling another opportunity.

In the closing minutes of the period, Sterling's Baptista executed a significant 69-yard pass to Ty Goans, advancing the ball deep into Kansas Wesleyan territory. However, the drive was halted by consecutive sacks as the period ended without either team scoring, leaving the score tied at 0-0.

The second quarter began with Sterling looking to capitalize as they attempted a 38-yard field goal, but it was blocked by the Coyotes' Artaveon Shaver. This defensive play set up Kansas Wesleyan in favorable field position, leading to a touchdown run by Henry Austad, putting them ahead 7-0 early in the period.

Following the kickoff, Sterling's offense struggled to gain momentum, with Baptista completing an 11-yard pass to Kenneth Arroyos before being sacked for a significant loss. After punting, the Coyotes again found success on the ground, culminating in a 32-yard touchdown rush by D'Heaven Domena, extending their lead to 14-0.

Late in the quarter, Sterling managed to move the chains with a 13-yard rush by Baptista, but the drive stalled due to a sack and a subsequent interception by Kansas Wesleyan's Taylor Collins. Kansas Wesleyan capitalized on the turnover with a quick drive ending in another passing touchdown, closing the half with a 21-0 lead.

The third quarter began with Sterling receiving the kickoff, but Kansas Wesleyan quickly took over possession and orchestrated a 14-play, 54-yard drive resulting in a touchdown. Sterling's defense, led by Bean with multiple tackles, managed to force incompletions deep in their own territory but ultimately conceded the score, increasing the Coyotes' lead to 28-0.

Sterling's offense took the field at 09:46, with Clarkson rushing for initial gains. Despite a promising 35-yard run by Baptista, the drive ended with an interception, halting the momentum. The ensuing Coyotes' drive capitalized on the turnover, adding another touchdown to extend their advantage to 35-0.

As the quarter neared its conclusion, Sterling regained possession following an onside kick recovery. However, an interception on Baptista's pass attempt thwarted the opportunity to cut into the deficit. Kansas Wesleyan maintained control as time expired in the period, leaving the score unchanged.

Kansas Wesleyan began the fourth quarter with possession, advancing the ball to Sterling's 16-yard line before being stopped on fourth down by Blake Montgomery's tackle for a loss. Sterling took over at their own 17-yard line but struggled to progress, with Zachary Isaak completing several passes to Clarkson and Will Stokes, advancing the ball to the Coyotes' 20-yard line. However, the drive stalled, and a turnover on downs followed.

With the clock winding down, Sterling's defense held Kansas Wesleyan to a punt after a brief possession. Sterling's final attempt to rally ended with an interception by Kamajay Else, returned to the Sterling 22-yard line. Kansas Wesleyan maintained possession until the end of the game, which concluded with Sterling unable to score in the period. The final score remained 35-0 in favor of the Coyotes.

Baptista completed 12 of 29 passes for 143 yards but was intercepted four times. Bean led the defense with 21 total tackles and forced a fumble. Goans made a notable reception, gaining 69 yards. DaMontae Muse contributed defensively with two fumble recoveries.

With the loss, the Warriors move to 1-7 overall, 0-2 in conference play. Sterling will be back in action against Saint Mary () on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 1 p.m. in Sterling, Kan. with Senior Day celebrations starting at 12:25 p.m.

Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors' live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.