Bluefield, VA – It was a day filled with challenges as Bluefield faced off against the #5 Bethel Wildcats on Saturday, contending not only with a formidable opponent but also the lingering effects of Hurricane Helene. Power outages and storm damage loomed over Mitchell Stadium, yet the Rams and their fans rallied together. Despite their resilience, Bluefield ultimately fell 49-7, but the spirit of the community shone through the adversity.
Athletic Director Corey Mullins led the crowd in standing for the National Anthem, which was performed by a four-member band. Their stirring rendition set the tone for the game, highlighting the determination to push forward despite the storm's aftermath.
Bethel took an early lead, going up 14-0. However, Bluefield was determined to rise to the challenge.
Brendan Nunnally stepped in as the starting quarterback for the Rams and, with around seven minutes left in the first quarter, he completed a pass to
Gage Chambers to kick off a promising drive. Senior
Abdul Kaloko played a key role, contributing most of Bluefield's rushing yards. On 3rd and 6 at the Bethel 42-yard line, Nunnally dropped back, looking for an open man. The Rams' offensive line—
Termaine Baker,
Dylan Miller,
CJ Price,
Eli Morgan, and
Jehari Riley—gave him the time he needed to find
Marcus Bromley for a 30-yard gain and a first down. Bluefield handed the ball back to Kaloko to gain more yards as they aimed to score. Seeking their first touchdown, Nunnally connected with
Gio Burns for a 24-yard touchdown.
Riley Stubbs stepped in to make the extra point, bringing the score to 14-7 and ending the first quarter.
Bethel started the second quarter with a touchdown, extending their lead to 21-7. With another change of possession, the Wildcats looked to drive down the field and add more points. On 3rd and 2 at the Bluefield 44-yard line, Bethel's quarterback dropped back to pass. Bluefield's Quincy Robinson broke through their offensive line, sacking Nixon for a 3-yard loss while also stripping the ball, causing Nixon to fumble. Robinson, who has been a play-maker all season, picked up the ball and recovered it for Bluefield!
The Rams and Wildcats exchanged possession throughout the quarter, with Bethel adding 7 more points to make it 28-7. As the Wildcats attempted to score again on 1st and 10 at their own 44-yard line, their quarterback looked to pass to the end zone. However, Stacy Wilson, who had been a defensive force all night, jumped in front to intercept the ball, saving the Rams from another Bethel score. This play closed out the quarter, with the score standing at 28-7 at halftime.
Coming back from halftime, the Rams and Wildcats went head to head, with both teams making strong offensive and defensive plays that kept the game competitive. Despite pressure from Bluefield's defense, Bethel managed to score 7 more points with 2 minutes left in the third quarter, increasing the lead to 35-7.
As the fourth quarter began, the Wildcats scored back-to-back touchdowns, pushing the score to 49-7. Despite the mounting score, the Rams continued to fight. Freshman quarterback KJ Pollock stepped in to take his first collegiate snaps, making some solid completions. Freshman Khalil Hart also entered as a running back, gaining positive yards for Bluefield. Although the Rams fell short, their determination and effort were evident throughout the game.
The final score doesn't tell the whole story of the Rams' performance. They showed strong execution on offense, enhancing pass protection and creating solid blocks for their running backs to gain yardage. The defense also made notable plays, including sacks, forced fumbles, and interceptions. The Rams will look to build on these efforts as they prepare for next week's game against Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky, at 4 PM.
Game Leaders
Offense (Passing):
Rushing:
Receiving:
Defense:
- Stacy Wilson: 5 solo tackles, 1 assist, 6 total tackles, 1 interception (3-yard return)
- Quincy Robinson: 3 solo tackles, 1 assist, 4 total tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss (11 yards), 2.0 sacks (8 yards), 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
- Nehemiah Carter: 2 solo tackles, 1 assist, 3 total tackles
- Titus Holte: 2 solo tackles, 1 assist, 3 total tackles
- Dylan Leggins: 3 solo tackles, 3 total tackles
- Leyton Fowler: 1 solo tackle, 2 assists, 3 total tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss (1 yard)
