JACKSON, Ohio – November 7, 2026 – Behind a dominant rushing performance from Kyree Edwards and a strong second-half defensive effort, the Bluefield University football team earned a 38-24 victory over the University of Rio Grande on Saturday afternoon.

Edwards delivered one of the Rams' most impressive individual performances of the season, rushing for 213 yards and three touchdowns on 35 carries, averaging 6.1 yards per attempt. His performance highlighted a Bluefield rushing attack that accumulated 281 yards and four touchdowns as the Rams improved to 4-6 on the season.

Bluefield finished with 432 yards of total offense, recorded 28 first downs, and controlled the football for 36 minutes. The Rams' defense was equally impressive against the run, limiting the Red Storm to just 20 rushing yards and 249 yards of total offense.

Rams Establish Early Momentum

Bluefield wasted little time establishing its offensive identity, marching 72 yards on seven plays during its opening possession.

Quarterback Brock Stomps connected with Semaj Jeffreys for a 26-yard gain and Jamonta Chavis for another 12 yards before Edwards took control of the drive. The Rams' running back carried the ball four times during the possession, including a 15-yard run that set up his one-yard touchdown with 10:05 remaining in the opening quarter.

Isaiah Bandy converted the extra point to give Bluefield a 7-0 advantage.

After the Rams' defense forced a missed 41-yard field goal attempt by Rio Grande, the offense responded with another lengthy possession. Bluefield traveled 64 yards on nine plays, highlighted by receptions of 17 and 23 yards from Chavis. Bandy capped the drive with a 31-yard field goal, extending the lead to 10-0 with 2:55 remaining in the first quarter.

Second-Quarter Battle Tests Bluefield

Rio Grande seized momentum early in the second quarter after recovering an Edwards fumble near its own goal line. The RedStorm responded with a 96-yard scoring drive, capped by a 23-yard touchdown pass from Jacob Winters to Blake Hoops.

The visitors then capitalized on a Bluefield interception, taking over at the Rams' 26-yard line. Three plays later, Knowledge McDaniel scored on a 12-yard run to give Rio Grande a 14-10 advantage with 6:35 remaining before halftime.

Bluefield answered immediately.

Facing third-and-seven, Stomps delivered a 41-yard touchdown strike to Chavis, putting the Rams back in front 17-14 with 4:46 remaining in the second quarter.

The Rams' defense followed with another critical stop, as Zyrohn Canady recorded an 11-yard sack of Winters to force a Rio Grande punt.

Bluefield capitalized on the favorable field position, beginning its next possession at the Rio Grande 47-yard line. Edwards carried the offense downfield before scoring from two yards out with 1:36 remaining, extending the Rams' advantage to 24-14.

Rio Grande added a 37-yard field goal from Nathan Shockey with 14 seconds remaining, sending Bluefield into the locker room holding a 24-17 lead.

Bluefield Responds After Third-Quarter Tie

The Red Storm continued their comeback effort in the third quarter, putting together a nine-play scoring drive capped by a four-yard touchdown run from Winters. The score tied the contest at 24-24 with 4:13 remaining in the period.

With momentum hanging in the balance, Bluefield turned once again to its powerful rushing attack.

Edwards sparked the ensuing possession with a 17-yard run on third-and-three, extending a drive that began at the Rams' 40-yard line. After another 11-yard gain from Edwards, Marquavion Rosser took over, breaking free for a 13-yard run before scoring from eight yards out.

The seven-play, 60-yard drive restored Bluefield's lead, 31-24, with 41 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

Rosser finished the afternoon with 60 rushing yards and a touchdown on eight carries, averaging 7.5 yards per attempt.

Defensive Turnover Seals the Victory

Bluefield's defense delivered one of the game's defining moments on the opening possession of the fourth quarter.

Defensive lineman Luke Schumann sacked Winters for a seven-yard loss, forcing a fumble that Casaun Hesson recovered. Hesson returned the loose football 36 yards to the Rio Grande one-yard line, setting up the Rams with an immediate scoring opportunity.

Edwards needed just one play to capitalize, powering into the end zone for his third touchdown of the afternoon.

Bandy's extra point extended Bluefield's advantage to 38-24 with 14:45 remaining.

The Rams continued to create defensive pressure on Rio Grande's next possession when Titus Holte intercepted Winters on the first play of the drive.

From there, Bluefield relied on its rushing attack and ball control to protect the advantage. A fourth-quarter possession lasting 6:47 helped shorten the game, while the Rams' defense forced a turnover on downs with 2:26 remaining.

Bluefield closed out the contest with the football, securing the 14-point victory.

Individual Performances Highlight Victory

Edwards was the centerpiece of the Rams' offensive success, finishing with 213 rushing yards and three touchdowns. His ability to consistently move the chains helped Bluefield produce 19 rushing first downs and average 5.5 yards per carry as a team.

Stomps completed 8 of 15 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown, while Chavis emerged as the Rams' leading receiver with four catches for 93 yards and a score.

Jeffreys contributed two receptions for 31 yards, while Jordan Edwards added two catches for 27 yards.

Defensively, Elijah Padgett led Bluefield with nine total tackles, including seven assists. Holte and Chase Harris each recorded six tackles, with Holte adding a fourth-quarter interception.

Canady was a disruptive force in the Rio Grande backfield, recording two sacks for 24 yards in losses and two quarterback hurries. Schumann added a sack and forced fumble, while Hesson's recovery and 36-yard return helped set up Bluefield's final touchdown.

The Rams finished with three sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery, while holding Rio Grande to just 1.3 yards per rushing attempt.

For Rio Grande, Winters completed 23 of 42 passes for 229 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Dariyonne Bryant led the Red Storm receiving corps with 80 yards on three receptions, while Hoops caught six passes for 37 yards and a touchdown.

By the Numbers

• 213: Rushing yards by Kyree Edwards, who also scored three touchdowns.

• 281: Total rushing yards for the Rams on 51 attempts.

• 432: Total offensive yards for Bluefield.

• 28: First downs recorded by the Rams, compared to 19 for Rio Grande.

• 20: Rushing yards allowed by the Bluefield defense.

• 36:00: Time of possession for Bluefield.

• 3: Quarterback sacks recorded by the Rams' defense.

Looking Ahead

With the victory, Bluefield improves to 4-6 overall and will look to carry the momentum into its regular-season finale against Union Commonwealth University on Saturday, November 14.

The Rams will look to build upon Saturday's dominant rushing performance and strong defensive effort as they close out the 2026 campaign.