In an emotional return to the NCAA Division-III quarterfinals, the Bethel Royals are set to face off against the top-ranked North Central team this Saturday in Naperville, Illinois. The Royals, who have remained undefeated this season, are looking to overcome the painful memory of their previous quarterfinal loss.
Last December, during a tense game against Susquehanna, Bethel found themselves in a critical situation. Leading by four points and with just a minute left, the Royals faced a fourth-and-goal attempt from Susquehanna at the one-yard line. Despite a valiant effort by Josh Ehrlich, who was initially stopped at the goal line, the officials ruled he crossed the plane, granting Susquehanna a late lead.
Quarterback Cooper Drews quickly rallied his team, completing three passes in rapid succession to position Bethel at the opposing 31-yard line. With time running out, Drews targeted receiver Joey Kidder, who caught a touchdown pass that appeared to secure victory. However, a holding penalty nullified the score, leaving Bethel scrambling for one last chance. After a lengthy discussion among officials, they allowed the Royals one final play, which ultimately fell short, ending their season in heartbreaking fashion.
Drews expressed the collective disbelief felt by the team at that moment. “It definitely stings,” he reflected. “After that, I was kind of in disbelief for a little bit.”
Fast forward to this year, the Royals are back in the quarterfinals, and the memory of last season”s disappointment still lingers. “Being back in the elite eight brings that stuff back up,” Drews noted, indicating that the lessons learned from that loss remain fresh.
Head coach Mike McElroy emphasized the importance of resilience, reminding players that tough experiences can lead to growth. “We talk about how tough stuff grows us, and now we get to actually practice it,” he stated. The team has embraced a culture centered on joy that transcends wins and losses, with McElroy insisting that their happiness should not be dictated by game outcomes.
McElroy also highlighted the challenges faced this season, with a largely reshuffled defense and a young roster following the departure of key players. “We don”t rebuild, we reload,” he stated, focusing on player development rather than mere talent acquisition.
The Royals have shown significant progress, with players stepping up and embodying the principles of hard work and accountability that McElroy instills in his program. “We are going to slowly build this thing in the correct way,” he said. “I think what that does, you see the fruit of it now. Really proud of the guys. They”ve stayed in.”
As the Bethel Royals prepare for their showdown with North Central, the lessons from last year”s heartbreak serve as motivation. The team”s commitment to joy and growth will be put to the test as they aim to secure a spot in the semifinals.
