BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A strong defensive effort and a pair of special teams touchdowns helped the Bluefield University football team hold off Point University, 17-14, Saturday night at Mitchell Stadium.
The Rams improved to 3-3 overall and 1-0 in Appalachian Athletic Conference play with the victory, while Point fell to 0-4 overall and 0-1 in conference action.
Bluefield opened the scoring late in the first quarter after taking over at the Point 36-yard line. The Rams used seven plays to reach the end zone, highlighted by a 23-yard run from junior running back Kyree Edwards that moved the ball inside the Point 15. After a series of short runs near the goal line, redshirt freshman quarterback Zack Paulk connected with senior wide receiver Jamonta Chavis on a two-yard touchdown pass with 2:48 remaining in the opening quarter. senior kicker/punter Isaiah Bandy added the extra point to give the Rams a 7-0 advantage.
Bluefield added another touchdown just over two minutes later when freshman linebacker Casaun Hesson blocked a Point punt and recovered it in the end zone. Bandy's extra point pushed the lead to 14-0 with 33 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
The Rams' defense continued to make plays in the second quarter, as freshman linebacker Zyrohn Canady blocked a 29-yard field goal attempt to keep Point off the scoreboard.
Bluefield then put together a lengthy scoring drive late in the half. The Rams marched 67 yards on 14 plays over 4:29, converting a fourth down along the way. On fourth-and-two from the Point 31-yard line, redshirt freshman quarterback Teddy Watson found Chavis for a 28-yard completion that moved the Rams inside the Point 25. The drive eventually stalled, but Bandy connected on a 30-yard field goal as time expired to give Bluefield a 17-0 halftime lead.
Point controlled much of the third quarter possession, but Bluefield's defense repeatedly came up with stops. The visitors put together an 11-play drive late in the quarter, but the Rams stopped the drive on fourth down at the Bluefield 26-yard line.
Point finally broke through early in the fourth quarter, using an eight-play, 72-yard drive to cut the deficit to 17-7 with 10:03 remaining.
After Bluefield was forced to punt, Point drove deep into Rams territory again. The Bluefield defense once again held firm, stopping the visitors on fourth-and-16 at the Bluefield 32-yard line with just under four minutes remaining.
The Rams appeared poised to run out the clock, but Point recovered a fumble on Bluefield's next possession and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown with 1:45 remaining, cutting the lead to 17-14.
Point then attempted an onside kick, but the play was nullified by an offside penalty. On the ensuing attempt, Bluefield recovered the ball at the Point 36-yard line. The Rams were able to run out the remaining time and secure the three-point victory.
Edwards led Bluefield's rushing attack with 102 yards on 23 carries. Watson completed four of 11 passes for 48 yards, while Paulk completed two of seven passes for 11 yards and a touchdown.
Chavis led the Rams with three receptions for 30 yards and a touchdown, while sophomore wide receiver Marlin Haywood added three catches for 29 yards. Bandy finished the night with five points, making his lone field goal attempt from 30 yards and both extra-point attempts.
Defensively, junior defensive back Titus Holte led the Rams with eight tackles, while junior linebacker Elijah Padgett recorded seven. Sophomore linebacker Ethan Walker added five tackles and two tackles for loss, and senior defensive back Koda Counts and freshman linebacker Jamari Williams each finished with five tackles.
Junior linebacker Andre Plummer and Canady each recorded a sack, while Canady also forced a fumble. Hesson's blocked punt provided Bluefield with its second touchdown of the night.
Bluefield returns to action October 17, hosting Reinhardt for Homecoming at Mitchell Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
