BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – The Bluefield University football team used a fast start to propel itself to a 31-20 victory over non-conference opponent Thomas on Saturday afternoon at Mitchell Stadium.
After forcing a Nighthawks (0-1) three-and-out on the opening drive, BU (1-0) marched down the field to score on its first offensive possession of the season. Graduate running back Abdul Kaloko picked up a pair of first downs on the drive, but it was senior quarterback Ethan Cash who connected with freshman wide receiver Marlin Haywood for the Rams' first touchdown of the year at the 6:59 mark of the opening quarter.
The Bluefield defense continued to dominate early, holding Thomas to minus-four yards on its first two possessions.
Junior running back Shoka Griffin II sparked the following drive with a 16-yard run into Thomas territory. After a 34-yard completion from Cash to junior wide receiver Jamonta Chavis, Kaloko capped the drive with a seven-yard touchdown run to extend BU's lead to 13-0.
In the second quarter, graduate defensive lineman Camron Stitmon recovered a fumble to set up the Rams inside the four-yard line. On the very next play, Griffin II found the end zone to push the advantage to 21-0 with 11:08 remaining in the half.
Thomas threatened on its next drive, moving into Bluefield territory, but the Rams' defense held strong on fourth down to force a turnover with 4:07 left until halftime. BU's ensuing drive stalled, but freshman linebacker Isaiah Dawkins registered a sack on third down to send the game into halftime with the Rams in control, 21-0.
Both teams traded possessions in the third quarter before Thomas finally broke through, opening the fourth with a touchdown to trim the deficit to 21-7. A Bluefield turnover quickly led to another Nighthawks score, pulling the visitors within one possession at 21-14 with 12:39 to play.
The Rams answered just two minutes later. A 40-yard reception by sophomore running back Zamarreon Younger set up a 36-yard field goal from junior punter/kicker Isaiah Bandy to push the margin back to double digits, 24-14.
Bluefield's defense struck again when sophomore defensive lineman Anthony Jefferson recovered a fumble at the Thomas 31-yard line. Kaloko followed with an explosive 18-yard run, setting up a nine-yard touchdown run by sophomore Kyree Edwards to extend the lead to 31-14.
Thomas added a late touchdown, but the Rams held on to secure the opening-day win.
Bluefield outgained Thomas 296-218 on the afternoon, led by 128 passing yards from Cash. Kaloko (58 yards) and Griffin II (30 yards) shared the workload on the ground. Younger paced the receiving corps with 40 yards, while Haywood recorded the lone receiving touchdown. Defensively, the Rams racked up four sacks and 14 tackles for loss. Redshirt freshman linebacker Ethan Walker anchored the unit with a team-high six tackles, three tackles for loss, and one sack.
Bluefield returns to action on September 6, traveling to the University of the Cumberlands for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
