Bethune, Alabama A&M defense dominate Mississippi Valley

ITTA BENA, Mississippi — Yurik Bethune was on a mission.

His goal:

Knock Mississippi Valley's quarterback into the turf as many times possible.

Well, mission accomplished.

Bethune constantly was in the backfield creating havoc as Alabama A&M cruised past Mississippi Valley State 42-14 Saturday afternoon in a SWAC football game.

With the win, Alabama A&M (6-5) completed its first winning season since 2012.

"I wanted to go out with a bang," Bethune said. "Well, I think we did just that. We finished this season off the right way."

Bethune entered the game as one of the SWAC's top edge rushers.

The senior defensive tackle lived up to his reputation.

Early in the first quarter, Bethune came off the edge to sack Mississippi Valley quarterback Jett Even — which turned out to be a recurring theme.

Bethune finished the day with a season-high 3.5 sacks. He also recorded six tackles.

But Bethune was not the only Alabama A&M defender who was getting to the quarterback. Pressure was coming from everywhere.
Alabama A&M's defense recorded a season-high seven sacks. Davonta Jackson finished with two sacks, and Michael Edmonds had one.

The constant pressure stymied Mississippi Valley's offense. The Delta Devils (1-8) only managed only managed 217 yards of offense, with a pedestrian 161 through the air.

"That might be the best we played all year," Alabama A&M cornerback Michael Mills said. "And that's exactly what we needed. We closed this out with a lot of positives as we head into the offseason.

"Everyone sees the potential we have here with this team. Everyone here understands what we're capable of doing."
Mississippi Valley scored on the game's opening possession when Even threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Stetson Moore.

The lead, however, did not last long.

Jordan Bentley rushed for three touchdowns, and Trevon Walters added two more as Alabama A&M raced to a commanding lead.
Bentley scored on runs of 43, 17 and two yards, while Walters scored on a pair of 2-yard runs.

Bentley led Alabama A&M with 71 yards on six carries.

BOX SCORE
ATTENDANCE: 1879

Aqeel Glass passed for 208 yards and a touchdown, completing 10 of 19 attempts. Zabrian Moore caught three passes for 90 yards and a touchdown, while Marceles Clash caught five passes for 88 yards.

"This was a great way to close out the season," Walters said. "This might have been my last college game, but it was a good day. I got a chance to rush for two touchdowns, and enjoy one last win with these teammates."

ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY BULLDOGS ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS