Warriors Fall in Week 1 to #23 Bethel College

North Newton, Kan.-Sterling opened up the 2023-2024 season with top 25 ranked Bethel College. It was the first showcase for this new Warrior team, from a new Offensive Coordinator, Reggie Langford, to new athletes on the field, and many more things that should make the Sterling College Warrior Fans excited the season going. The Warriors were overmatched by the strong Thresher team and lost their first game 53-3 to start the 2023 Campaign.

Sterling started strong holding the Bethel offense at bay for a couple of possessions before the Threshers captured the momentum with a safety. On the ensuing possession, the Thresher offense was able to punch the ball into the endzone and it was all Bethel from there.

Sterling once again ran a 2 quarterback system. Returning QB Rocklin Baptista officially got the start going 4-20 for 26 yards and 3 unfortunate interceptions. Freshman Jeremyah Raguindin went 5-13 for 56 yards in his college debut. One of the highlights of the Warrior offense was a 47 yard pass from Raguindin to Ryan Stucky that set up Sterling's only score of the day, a 35 yard field goal by Luis Franco.

Defensively the Warriors were led by Diego Moran with 13 tackles, 2 for a loss. Hunter Pullen, last season's leading tackler, was right behind Moran with 10 tackles. Flin Cameron, number one Sterling's single season sack leaders list, continued his success in the backfield with another sack to go along with 8 tackles. Alan Garcia also recorded his first sack of the season.

It's back to the drawing board for the Warriors after their game against one of the top teams in the country. They take on McPherson College on Saturday, September 2, at 6 pm for their home opener at Smisor Stadium.

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 all of the Warriors' live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.