BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Behind a balanced offensive attack and a stifling defensive performance, the Bluefield University football team celebrated Homecoming with a 38-21 victory over the University of Rio Grande Saturday afternoon at Mitchell Stadium.
The Rams set the tone early, marching 71 yards on their opening drive. Senior running back Kyree Edwards finished the possession with a one-yard touchdown run to put BU on top 7-0 midway through the first quarter. In the second, the Rams doubled their lead when quarterback Ethan Cash connected with Jordan Edwards on a 21-yard scoring strike, capping a 12-play, 75-yard drive.
Bluefield extended its advantage just before halftime as Cash found Abdul Kaloko on a 26-yard touchdown pass to make it 21-0. The RedStorm answered moments later with a 65-yard touchdown to trim the deficit to 21-7 at the break.
Rio Grande pulled within one score early in the third quarter, but Bluefield quickly responded. Cash capped an eight-play, 57-yard drive with a four-yard touchdown run to restore a 28-14 lead. After a Rio Grande interception return for a touchdown early in the fourth, kicker Dylan Ausley drilled a 32-yard field goal to push the margin to 31-21. Bluefield then sealed the win with a 55-yard drive capped by a seven-yard touchdown pass from Cash to Rayjuan Traynham with 4:25 remaining.
Cash finished an efficient 21-of-29 passing for 239 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions while adding a rushing score. Edwards led the ground attack with 119 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries, while Shoka Griffin added 56 yards on 14 attempts. Kaloko led all receivers with 86 yards and a touchdown on four catches, and Kyree Edwards contributed 68 yards on seven receptions.
Defensively, Bluefield limited Rio Grande to just 87 rushing yards while recording seven tackles for loss and two sacks. Titus Holte led the Rams with eight total tackles and half a sack, while Ethan Walker and Jack Everix each tallied six tackles. Walker also forced a fumble, and Tarell Sablon added his team-leading fourth interception of the season to seal the victory.
With the win, Bluefield improves to 3-6 overall and 2-3Â in AAC play.
The Rams will close out the regular season November 15, hosting Union Commonwealth for Senior Day at Mitchell Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
