Thomasville, GA – Bluefield University started the season strong with a 35-17 win over Thomas University on August 31, 2024. The game at Thomas University's stadium featured exciting plays and key performances from Bluefield, including several standout players recognized on the AAC football players-to-watch list.
Game Highlights and Key Plays
Bluefield set the tone early with
Nehemiah Carter's explosive 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, giving them a 7-0 lead. Thomas University responded with a field goal from Braxton Crawfor, and Charles Britt's 1-yard touchdown run briefly put Thomas ahead 10-7.
Bluefield quickly took control back with
Nathan Herstich, a senior quarterback featured on the AAC players-to-watch list. Last year's Appalachian Athletic Conference leader in passing yards per game and second in touchdowns, Herstich led a critical drive. He connected with
Marcus Bromley for a 35-yard touchdown, putting Bluefield back in the lead at 14-10. Herstich ended the game with 232 yards on 15-of-22 passing and played a crucial role in the victory.
In the second half, Herstich threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to
Jharez Williams, extending the lead to 21-10.
Marcus Bromley, also highlighted on the AAC list for his offensive prowess, put the game out of reach with a 13-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter, sealing the win at 35-17.
Key Statistics and Player Performances
Offensive Highlights
- Nathan Herstich: 15-of-22 passing for 232 yards and 3 touchdowns.
- Nehemiah Carter: 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and 12 receiving yards.
- Marcus Bromley: 5 catches for 78 yards and 2 touchdowns.
- Rayjuan Trynham: 11 rushing yards and a touchdown.
- Abdul Kaloko: 45 rushing yards on 8 carries.
Special Teams and Defensive Highlights
AAC Players to Watch
In addition to the standout performances, several players who were highlighted on the AAC football players to watch list made significant contributions:
Leyton Fowler: Sophomore linebacker, showed promise in defensive plays and coverage.
Riley Stubbs: Senior punter/kicker, demonstrated reliability with perfect extra points and strong punting.
Head Coach Dewey Lusk's Thoughts
"Great team win! Great start to the 2024 season. Did a lot of great things tonight in all 3 phases of the game, offensively, defensively, and special teams. But, we have several things to work on before a tough Cumberlands, KY team comes to Mitchell next week. I am most proud of our energy and effort after a 10-hour bus ride and playing in 90-degree weather! Go Rams!"
Bluefield University's strong performance across offense, defense, and special teams shows they are ready for the season ahead. With standout individual efforts, particularly from AAC players to watch like
Nathan Herstich,
Abdul Kaloko,
Quincy Robinson,
Riley Stubbs, and
Leyton Fowler, Bluefield has set a high bar. The victory over Thomas University is a promising start as they look to build on this momentum.
Bluefield's next contest will be on September 7 at 1:30 PM, marking their first home game of the year against the University of the Cumberlands.
