The Rams and Builders are squaring off for the first time on Saturday. The Apprentice School's football program competes in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) along with Alfred State College, Concordia College Alabama, Iowa Wesleyan college and Williamson Trade.

In the last five seasons (09-13), The Apprentice School is 8-42. The Builders began the 2014 season with a 19-23 loss to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

The Mariners blocked a punt in the end zone with 6:29 left in the 4th quarter, jumping on the ball in the end zone. The two-point conversion failed and the Builders could not respond.

QB Michael Roberts tossed for 136 yards, while Trevon Johnson had 104 yards receiving. Joseph Hodge ran for 54 yards.

Game Day Festivities
Both the Rams and Builders will have special game day activities going on. For the Builders, they will be celebrating both Homecoming and Trades Day--where workers on the waterfront are able to attend a pre-game tailgate. Meanwhile, the Bluefield College Alumni Association will be hosting a free tailgate beginning at 11 a.m. The Bluefield College tailgate flags will be flying high, providing hot dogs, drinks and several sides and ask attendees to register and bring your favorite tailgate dish if you're able. Game tickets ($6) will be available for purchase at the game. For registration information, click here.

Last season, the Rams had a gathering at the Southern Virginia game, with a strong showing of support. We hope to see you in your Ram gear on Saturday in Newport News!

Game Coverage
Ram fans can follow Saturday afternoon's action in a variety of ways, including live audio, live stats and twitter updates. Live audio is linked at the top of the page. From WHIS' webpage, a listen live button will provide the live action from Newport News. Fans will hear a familiar voice from the past in Trey Wilson, who will provide the play-by-play call for the Rams during  his guest appearance with regular Larry Mlynczak.

Live stats, also linked above, are provided by The Apprentice School's sports information department.

Twitter updates may also be found via @BluefieldRams.

The Apprentice School vs. NAIA

While the Builders' schedules are typically made up primarily of NCAA D-III opponents, they tend to have at least one NAIA opponent scheduled.

In the last five years, The Apprentice School has squared off 10 times with NAIA programs, going 0-10. The closest was a 13-12 loss to Webber International in 2012.

The Builders faced three NAIA programs last year, falling to Edward Waters (38-21), Webber Int'l (46-7) and Ave Maria (42-21).

Commonwealth Competition
The Rams have had one match up per year with Virginian opponents. In the return season of 2012, Bluefield hosted UVa.-Wise, but fell to the then-NAIA Cavaliers 21-35. Last season, Bluefield hit the road to Buena Vista, taking on Southern Virginia University. The Rams lost a pair of fumbles and also threw three picks in the game against the Knights, eventually falling 18-44.

Kick it

The Rams gained a boost in the kicking game against Presbyterian College as James Gunn (K) made his collegiate debut and Daniel Griffin (P) returned to the lineup.

Gunn provided a touchback on his first collegiate kickoff and was 2-for-2 in PATs, while Griffin averaged 44.2 yards per punt with a long of 54.

When the Rams' run game was halted by a strong defensive line at PC, BC went to the air with Ashten Dixon tossing for a career-high 192 yards (12-for-19). David Gianesin was the primary target, catching six passes for a career-best 126 yards. Freshman Quincey Mock (Hampton, Va.) had back-to-back catches on one series, totaling 47 yards.

Surpassing 1K on the Ground
Marion Harris entered the Presbyterian College game last week with 1,000 career rushing yards well in sight. The junior finished the game with 22 yards, surpassing the 1K benchmark and closing the night with 1,004 career rushing yards--the first to break 1,000 career yards since BC's return.