UPike Game Notes

BLUEFIELD, Va. -- After months of anticipation and weeks of squaring off with teammates in practice and training, the Rams are ready to see a true opponent across the line. Thursday will provide that as the Bluefield College football team opens up the 2014 season at 6:30 p.m. with Mid-South Conference East Division opponent University of Pikeville at Mitchell Stadium.

The football game presents itself as the first home athletic event for BC this fall. As part of the season kickoff, the game serves as "Welcome Back Night," allowing students, faculty and staff to quickly reignite their school spirit. Look for the following events around Mitchell Stadium:
 

• Live music beginning at 4:30 p.m.
• Pregame meal for BC students, faculty & staff (5:15 p.m.)
• T-shirt giveaway for first 300 fans
• Additional giveaways from Student Development
• Special $4 ticket price for those presenting a Graham/Beaver ticket for Friday night

The Rams are looking to blend their youthful roster which includes more than 60 newcoming student-athletes with their core group of returners, including last season's top-three rushers (Marion Harris, Adrian Pope, Sam Bennett) and top-three receivers (Richard Johnson, Rodrell Smith, David Gianesin).

Bluefield has dropped its only two meetings with the Bears, as UPike defeated BC in the Rams' return to the gridiron in 2012, 42-28, and knocked off BC in 2013 at home, 56-13.

UPike is led by interim head coach Allan Holland Jur., who stepped in after former head coach Dudley Hilton resigned for health reasons in early August. Holland is in his fifth season with the Bears, previously as associate head coach and offensive coordinator. Holland still calls the plays for UPike.

Fans looking to follow the action away from Mitchell Stadium on Thursday evening can watch the live stream on BC's new Rams Digital Sports Network. Larry Mlynczak will also provide the play-by-play, available on WHIS 1440 AM in the Bluefield area and online at whistalkradio.com.