Warriors Carry the Load Against Swedes

Sterling, Kan. - The Sterling College Warriors took on the Swedes from Bethany College last Saturday. After a rough couple of losses, the Warriors were looking to get their first win of the season.

The Warriors scored their first touchdown on an 85 yard kickoff return by Trey Dixon in the first six minutes of the game. The score tied the game at 7 apiece. The next few minutes would consist primarily of a lot of back and forth play between the two teams. With five minutes left to go in the first quarter, Rocklin Baptista scampered into the endzone for a seven yard touchdown, giving Sterling the lead 14-7 heading into the second quarter.

The Warriors started the second quarter with the ball and were in the middle of a six-minute drive, but were unable to get any points. The Swedes got the ball three minutes into the quarter. The Warriors would get the ball back just two plays later after a quick interception by Hunter Pullen. Unable to do anything with the possession, Sterling punted the ball back. The Swedes scored another touchdown before the end of the half making the score 14- 13 after a missed PAT in Sterling's favor.

Baptista came out swinging in the second half with the first drive resulting in a 61- Yard touchdown by Dixon, extending the Warrior's lead. Bethany tied the game up six minutes later with a touchdown. Both teams would stay relatively quiet for the remainder of the quarter and most of the 4^th quarter.

The play of the game happened with six minutes left to play in regulation. Flin Cameron got his first interception of the season from a batted ball by Alan Garcia. Cameron returned it for five yards, and as he was being brought down, he handed the ball off to Garcia for the game-winning touchdown. Sterling outlasted the Swedes to get their first win of the season 27-20.

Baptista led the Sterling offense with 230 passing yards, followed by Kendrick Bell with 47 rushing yards, and Trey Dixon had 91 receiving yards. The Warriors had a total of 365 yards of offense.

The Warrior defense was led by Alan Garcia with 11 total tackles, one sack, a forced fumble, and two tackles for loss. Blake Montgomery would follow with six tackles.

Sterling improves to 1-3 with the victory. The Warriors travel to Winfield, Kan. on Saturday to take on the #9 Moundbuilders of Southwestern College. Kickoff is set for 6 pm.

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.