FULTON, Mo. - William Woods Flag Football competed at the North Campus Athletic Complex for the first time in the 2026 season against KCAC opponent Bethel College Threshers. Both sides of the ball thrived in what would be a dominant first win for the Owls, 37-0.

The Owls offense was clicking on all cylinders from the initial whistle. Beginning with the ball in their hands, WWU only needed seven plays to find their way to pay dirt for the first time. A 27-yard Shamya Williams pass to Olivia Menard set up another Williams pass to the back left corner of the end zone, this time with Nivea Boyd waiting to receive it. Williams and Boyd put the Woods on the scoreboard for the first time in 2026 and in their young careers as Owls. After a successful conversion attempt, WWU immediately had a 7-0 advantage on the Threshers. 

After multiple possessions by each side, Bethel was in control of the ball deep in their territory. On a 3rd and 13 attempt, Angelina Thomason was able to create quick pressure on the quarterback, knocking the ball high into the air. Addie Chilek was camped under the misfire, catching it with open field to the right side and crossing the goal line for a defensive score, tallying six more points for the home squad.

After another defensive stop, the Owls received the ball back midway through the second quarter. A trio of unsuccessful plays created a 4th and three situation for WWU. Coach Holloway was prepared for the moment, leaving his offense on the field, this time with Sam Menard in shotgun. Instead of a shot at the sticks, Menard looked downfield, heaving a pass into a crowd, being tipped first by a Thresher defender. Instead of the ball hitting turf, however, it miraculously fell into the hands of Chilek, who again sped her way past her opponents and into the end zone for her second highlight score on the 23 yard reception. 

The Owls would score thrice more, each coming via pass from Williams into the hands of a different receiver. A'Jah Smith and Anye Glasper caught their first touchdowns representing William Woods, and Olivia Menard found her way in for the first time in 2026.

Williams ended the game with 15 completions for 154 yards and four touchdowns, and led the squad in rushing with seven attempts for 16 yards.

Chilek was the Woods' leading receiver, hauling in nine for 88 and a touchdown. Olivia Menard added some big play potential off of three receptions for 42 yards and a touchdown.

WWU's defense was entirely lock down on the afternoon, allowing just 58 passing yards and zero scores. The Owls intercepted Bethel on three occasions, two by way of Chilek, and one by the young standout defensive back, Glasper. A'Jah Smith and Sam Menard were a duo of terror in the backfield, combining for five sacks and a loss of 27 yards. Smith tallied four tackles for loss as well.

Flag Football is back in action on Saturday, Mar. 14 in Fremont, Neb. for another KCAC matchup versus Midland University. Read Full Article