Job’s Not Finished: Keiser Dominates Bethel to Move to the Semi-Finals

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – Keiser came into today looking to continue their journey to the NAIA National Championship game today as they hosted Bethel at home today.

For what was a competitively close 1st quarter, Keiser finally opened the gates with a rush from Jaden Meizinger to put Keiser in front. Keiser’s rushing game continued as Andrew Burnette found his first touchdown of the afternoon. Keiser would get some success in the passing game as well as Bryce Veasley took a shot to the corner of the endzone for Louis Averhart to put the Seahawks up 21-0. Even the defense got in on the scoring fun as Wendol Philord hit the scoop and score to put Keiser up 28-0. Bethel would finally get their first touchdown of the game with a little under two minutes in the first half as Keiser went into halftime with a 28-7 lead.

@KUSeahawks get back on the board with two big rushes from Andrew Burnette. XP is good.

Seahawks lead 14-0

10:27 left in the 2nd

🎥: @Shotby_Dan pic.twitter.com/IojnveKUtH
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) December 2, 2023

BIG RECEPTION: @KUSeahawks extend their lead with this big catch from Louis Averhart III

Keiser Leads 21-0

2:40 left in the 2nd

🎥: @Shotby_Dan pic.twitter.com/aXiTPzP5Bp
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) December 2, 2023

Heading into the 2nd half, Keiser scored on the ground again as Jaden Meizinger nabbed his second touchdown of the afternoon. Wendol Philord would get his second touchdown of the afternoon as well by taking a punt return all the way back for a touchdown to put Keiser up 42-7. Bethel would respond to the “kick-six” with a 52 yard passing touchdown to cut the lead. In the 4th quarter, Andrew Burnette would put the game away for the Seahawks as he grabbed two more rushing touchdowns on the ground.

Speaking to Coach Socha after the game, Socha was pleased with the performance. “I’m really proud of these guys”. Socha also credited the fans “I think the atmosphere was great today, it’s awesome to be able to host these games, these guys have earned that right.”

For Andrew Burnette who won the offensive player of the game, Burnette said that the team isn’t finished and that there’s more work to be done. Burnette gave credit to his fellow running back Jaden Meizinger saying that “It’s great to have Jaden with me, I get to do what I do and he does what he does and we’re just able to support each other”. Burnette also credits his 16 month old son as being a source of inspiration to him.

Speaking to Wendol Philord who won the defensive player of the game, he shared the same sentiment as Burnette, “I want a ring and nothing’s done until I get it”.

Keiser moves on to the Semi-Finals of the NAIA Championship tournament, they will be back at home hosting the College of Idaho next Saturday.