BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – In a game filled with offensive fireworks, the Bluefield University football team came up just short in a 43-42 loss to Virginia University of Lynchburg Saturday afternoon at Mitchell Stadium.
The Rams struck first late in the opening quarter when Rayjuan Traynham capped a short drive with a five-yard touchdown run. Bluefield extended its lead in the second frame, as quarterback Ethan Cash connected with Jevon Myers on a 43-yard scoring strike to make it 14-0. After Virginia pulled within seven, Abdul Kaloko powered in from one yard out in the closing minute of the half to give BU a 21-7 lead at the break.
Bluefield kept the pressure on after halftime. Traynham broke free for an 18-yard touchdown early in the third quarter, and moments later, Shoka Griffin sprinted 40 yards to the end zone to keep the Rams in front, 35-21. Virginia, however, responded with a pair of quick scores through the air to tighten the contest.
As the teams prepared to enter the fourth quarter, play was halted by a lightning delay. Once action resumed, momentum swung back and forth. Virginia tied the game at 35-35, but Bluefield answered with its longest march of the day. A 13-play, 65-yard drive spanning over six minutes ended with Traynham's third touchdown run of the afternoon, putting BU back on top 42-35.
The Dragons pieced together its own clutch drive in the final minutes, scoring with 1:38 left and converting the two-point attempt to edge ahead, 43-42. Bluefield had one last chance, driving into Virginia territory in the closing seconds, but the Rams' final pass attempts fell incomplete as time expired.
Statistically, the Rams dominated on the ground, piling up 353 rushing yards and five touchdowns behind a balanced effort. Griffin led with 102 yards and a score, while Traynham added 90 yards and three touchdowns. Kaloko contributed 58 yards and a touchdown, while Cash chipped in 28 yards on the ground to go with 140 passing yards and a touchdown toss to Myers. Myers finished with 66 receiving yards to lead all Ram pass catchers.
Defensively, Bluefield forced two interceptions—one each from Koda Counts and Javian Gee—and saw strong outings from Chase Harris (six tackles, two for loss) and Isaiah Dawkins (four tackles, two for loss).
The Rams hit the road to begin Appalachian Athletic Conference competition against Point University October 4 with kickoff slated for 12:00 p.m.
