LEBANON, Tenn. – The Dewey Lusk Era began at Bluefield College, Saturday, Aug. 26 at Cumberland University as the Rams battled but fell 24-17 to the homestanding Phoenix.
Bluefield controlled the game the first half. The Rams took a 7-0 lead early in the game. Walter Harold, "Churchie," connected with Antonio Strickland on a 54-yard pass play that took the ball to the Cumberland one. Alex Martin then bulled across the goal for the score. Tanner Griffith booted the extra point and with 10:06 remaining in the first quarter Bluefield was on top 7-0.
Cumberland knotted the game early in the second as Denarius Tolliver hauled in an eight-yard pass from Dezmon Huntley and the PAT evened the score at seven.
Theand the Rams were able to take a lead into the locker room when Griffith, a freshman in his first game, kicked a 32 yard field goal with 43 seconds left in the half, enabling Bluefield to take a 10-7 lead into the break.
The third period spelled doom for the Rams as two special team mistakes gave Cumberland short fields and the Phoenix scored two touchdowns to take a 21-10 lead. A field goal pushed the lead to 24-10 as the teams entered the fourth stanza.
Bluefield's defense stiffened in the final 15 minutes and the offense responded. Harold connected with Jeffrey Hughes for a 32- yard scoring strike and Griffith's extra point made it 24- 17. Bluefield had its chances late in the game, but could not sustain a scoring drive to knot the contest.
In his BC debut, Harold completed 13-of-30 passes for 195 yards and a touchdown and an interception. Freshman Rashad Butler carried 10 times for 52 yards, and Harold rushed for an additional 28, including a key run of 21 yards on the Rams final scoring drive.
Defensively five Rams had nine tackles – Logan Hinnant, Chris DeBerry, Larry Jefferson, Tyrice Henry and Devon Jackson. Jackson and Isaiah Fenner each picked off a pass and DeBerry forced a fumble.
Huntley completed 12-of-27 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown, with two interceptions. He rushed for 63 yards. CU's ground attack was led by Kris Parker with 76 yards and Telvin Rucker added 73.
Cumberland out-gained Bluefield in total yardage 414-322.
The Rams are idle until Sept. 9 when Edward Waters College visits Mitchell Stadium for BC's home opener. Game time is set for 6 p.m. and it will be Military Appreciation Night. All veterans and active-duty military will be admitted for free.
At Nokes-Lasater Field, Lebanon, Tenn.
Bluefield……..…..7 3 0 7 - 17
Cumberland…….0 7 17 0 - 24
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
Bluefield – Martin 1 yard run (Griffith kick), 10:06
2nd Quarter
Cumberland – Tolliver 8 yard pass from Huntley (Travecedo kick), 11:01
Bluefield – Griffith 32 yard field goal, 0:32
3rd Quarter
Cumberland – Rushin 6 yard run (Travecedo kick), 11:52
Cumberland – Huntley 6 yard run (Travededo kick), 5:14
Cumberland – Travecedo 37 yard field goal, 1:54
4th Quarter
Bluefield – Hughes 32 yard pass from Harold (Griffith kick), 7:53
