BETHEL — Blanchester and Bethel-Tate, the top two teams in the Southern Buckeye Conference National Division boys soccer standings, played to a 1-1 tie Thursday at BTHS.

The Wildcats took a 1-0 lead when Topher Farrow buried a shot into the back of the net in the first half. Logan Swinderman crossed to teammate Nevan Coyle, whose shot was deflected to Farrow.

Defending National Division champion Bethel-Tate nearly tied the match late in the first half but an offsides call kept BHS on top at the break.

The Tigers scored off a penalty kick to tie things at 1-1. BHS keeper Dakota Penquite “got a piece of the ball but was unable to deflect completely,” BHS coach Troy Ballinger said.