Bethel held on for a 24-23 victory over previously unbeaten Concordia (Ill.) in the first round of the NCAA Division III playoffs on Saturday in River Forest, Ill.

Bethel (9-2), which led 24-10 going into the fourth quarter, will play at Wisconsin-Oshkosh in the second round next Saturday.

The host Cougars (10-1) scored with 18 seconds remaining to pull within one point. But the Royals stopped the Cougars' pass attempt for a two-point conversion and then recovered the ensuing onside kick.

Mitch Hallstrom caught a 22-yard TD pass from Erik Peterson to give the Royals a 10-0 lead early in the second quarter.

Later in the second quarter, Hallstrom thew a 23-yard TD pass to Jay Hillbrands to give the Royals a 16-3 lead. The Royals led 17-10 at halftime.

Wisconsin-Oshkosh 55, St. Scholastica 10: The WIAC champion Titans stormed back after falling behind 10-0 for the first-round home victory.

The Titans (11-0) scored on five consecutive possessions to build a 34-10 lead. The Titans scored on three of their first four possessions of the second half to put the game out of reach.

The Titans outgained the Saints 600-243.

Tyler Harper passed for 174 yards and a TD for the St. Scholastica (8-3).

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