By BOB DAVIDSON

Salina Journal

Jamie Cruce knows precisely what his Bethany football team must avoid to have a chance today against nationally-ranked Ottawa.

"We're going to have to take care of the football and not turn it over at the rate we have been," Cruce said of the Swedes' 1:30 p.m. Kansas Conference contest against the unbeaten and No. 7-ranked Braves in Ottawa.

Indeed, turnovers have played a pivotal role in Bethany's four-game losing streak. Bethany (4-4 overall, 3-4 KCAC) had five turnovers last week in a 35-2 loss to Sterling and turned it over eight times the week before in a 46-0 loss to Friends.

"In our last four games we're averaging 6.25 turnovers per game," Cruce said. "It doesn't matter who you play, you're not going to have a chance to win if you turn the ball over too much.

"The first weeks of the season we weren't turning the ball over. Now we can't seem to stay away from it. We're not talented enough to turn the ball over that much and win."

Ottawa (8-0, 7-0) features an offense that doesn't need any help from the opposition. The Braves rank second in the NAIA in total offense per game -- 531 yards -- and eighth in scoring (46.5 points).

Senior quarterback Ethan Haller leads the NAIA in passing at 414 yards per contest and has 31 touchdown passes and seven interceptions. Wide receivers Corey Schultz and Clarence Anderson have 113 receptions for 2,024 yards and 18 touchdowns between them.

"Their passing game doesn't have many weaknesses," Cruce said. "Their quarterback is accurate and has a quick release. Pressure doesn't seem to bother him. He has three good targets to throw to and their tight end is very good.

"They're extremely explosive."

Bethany quarterback Steven Baker also is a capable passer, but has struggled of late, having thrown 16 interceptions in his last four games. For the season he has 12 touchdowns passes and 2,135 yards to rank third in the KCAC.

He faces an Ottawa defense that has been susceptible to the pass, as evidenced by the fact opponents are averaging 251 yards per game.

"They can take some chances and bring pressure," Cruce said. "When you have an offense that scores that much you take some chances and roll the dice. It's high risk/reward."

Cruce relishes today's challenge.

"We have an opportunity to play the No. 7 team in the nation and all the accolades they have," he said. "We have a chance to right some of the things we've been doing wrong the last few weeks."

In other KCAC games today:

McPherson (7-1, 6-1) at Bethel (2-6, 2-5), 1:30 p.m. -- The No. 15-ranked Bulldogs are in a battle with Friends for second place in the KCAC and a potential NAIA playoff berth. Quarterback Shane Mascarenas leads a powerful McPherson offense that averages a KCAC-best 48 points per game. Mascarenas averages 300 yards passing per outing. That's bad news for Bethel, which ranks 10th in pass defense at 314 yards per game.

Saint Mary (2-6, 2-5) at Sterling (5-3, 4-3), 1:30 p.m. -- Sterling is playing well of late, having won its last three games. The Spires have lost of three of their last four. Sterling has done it primarily with defense and is allowing just 16 points per game. The Warriors will face Saint Mary quarterback Daniel Robles, who has thrown for 1,982 yards, 14 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Sterling ranks second in the KCAC in rushing offense at 180.5 yards per game; Saint Mary is ninth in rush defense at 155.8.

Tabor (0-8, 0-7) at Southwestern (2-6, 2-5), 1:30 p.m. -- Southwestern has won two of its last three games, led by freshman quarterback Jordan Barnett, who threw for 211 yards and two touchdowns last week in the Moundbuilders' victory over Bethel. Running back Lance Evans has 535 yards rushing. Tabor ranks ninth in scoring offense (18.3 points) and 10th in scoring defense (45.1 points).

* Sports editor Bob Davidson can be reached at 822-1404, or by e-mail at bdavidson@salina.com

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