DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Uriel Hernandez kicked four field goals, and Delwaun Beard preserved the Bethune-Cookman victory by blocking a South Carolina State field goal attempt as the Wildcats downed the Bulldogs, 12-9 in a pivotal Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) game Saturday afternoon at Municipal Stadium.
 
The Wildcats actually blocked two Tyler Scandrett attempts – the first eventually being nullified after offsetting penalties – as time expired as Bethune-Cookman (3-3 overall, 2-1 MEAC) won for the first time in recorded history without scoring an offensive touchdown.
 
With the Wildcats decked out in all gold for the #GoldRush game, Hernandez gave the Wildcats the lead on a 33-yarder with 12:09 left in the fourth quarter. The junior from Homestead, Florida, was 4-of-5 on the day, tying Bethune-Cookman's record for most field goals in a game. Marc McLachlan also kicked four in a 33-30 win over South Carolina State on October 14, 1989.
 
South Carolina State (2-4, 1-3 MEAC) took a 9-6 lead on Trey Samuel's 4-yard scamper over left guard with 2:50 remaining in the first half, but Scandrett's point-after was blocked by Elliott Miller. The Wildcats answered, and Hernandez kicked a 32-yarder on the final play of the half for a 9-9 tie as the teams headed into the locker rooms.
 
Bethune-Cookman outgained the Bulldogs, 371-261 in total yards, but were hampered by 19 penalties for 138 yards, including three on its final possession that kept the Wildcats from running out the clock.
 
Javaunie Francis' 60-yard punt reversed the field, but the Bulldogs put together a late 11-play march that included a fourth down pass completion that put the visitors in position to send the game into overtime.
 
Bethune-Cookman dominated the first quarter, outgaining the Bulldogs, 134-9 but only had Hernandez's 34-yarder on the opening drive to show for it.
 
A 66-yard drive that saw Larry Brihm, Jr. connect with Keavon Mitchell twice and with Tupac Isme for 19-yards set up the second Hernandez field goal, a 37-yarder that made it 6-0 with 14 minutes to play in the opening half.
 
Brihm rushed for 20 and threw for 46 on the drive that helped Bethune-Cookman tie it at halftime. He finished 22-of-34 passing for 234 yards.
 
Isme rushed for 37 yards on eight carries, while Jamaruz Thompkins had 11 carries for 35 yards of his own.
 
Mitchell and Jawill Davis each caught five passes, gaining 44 and 36 yards, respectively.
 
Marquis Hendrix paced the Wildcats defense with 11 tackles and a sack, while Diquan Richardson had six tackles and his third interception of the season.
 
Bethune-Cookman meets North Carolina A&T next Saturday in Greensboro, North Carolina. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m., at Aggie Stadium.
 
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