Bethune-Cookman could take a step back following successful 2017 campaign

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- The Bethune-Cookman Wildcats needed a “closer” last season as two blown fourth-quarter leads prevented what would’ve been an undefeated season within the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

As it stood, the Wildcats finished 2017 with a 7-4 overall record and a 6-2 mark in the MEAC after losing 26-24 at Howard and 24-20 at league champion North Carolina Central.

In the Howard game, the Wildcats allowed the winning touchdown with just 39 seconds left as Caylin Newton — Cam’s little brother — ran 5 yards for the winning score.

Against North Carolina Central, the Wildcats led 20-14 lead after three quarters and had a chance to win at the end but had a pass batted away in the end zone on the game’s final play.

This year, which will be the fourth under coach Terry Sims, the Wildcats are hoping to improve from second place to first in the league while extending their dominance over rival Florida A&M to eight straight years.

However, it’s possible the Wildcats could take a step back. They are picked to finish just fourth in the league, and the reason is the talent they lost from last season.

Quarterback Larry Brihm completed 62.2 percent of his passes last season, producing a 12-4 touchdowns-to-interceptions ratio. He is now playing in the Canadian Football League.



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