BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – The Bluefield University football team battled throughout the afternoon but ultimately fell to Erskine, 37-20, in its season opener Saturday afternoon at Mitchell Stadium.
Erskine (1-0) opened the scoring on its first possession, connecting on a 20-yard field goal with 10:01 remaining in the opening quarter.
The Rams (0-1) answered on their next scoring opportunity. After the Bluefield defense forced a punt, BU marched into Erskine territory before Nelson Morales converted a 30-yard field goal with 54 seconds remaining in the quarter to even the score at 3-3.
Erskine regained the lead with another field goal early in the second quarter before the Bluefield defense came up with a key turnover. Ezekiel Taylor intercepted Erskine at the Fleet 38-yard line to give the Rams possession in Erskine territory.
The Rams were unable to capitalize on the turnover, and Erskine extended its advantage to 13-3 with 4:01 remaining in the half on a 24-yard touchdown.
Bluefield responded with a late scoring drive, marching 79 yards in just over a minute. Teddy Watson connected with Marlin Haywood for a 31-yard completion to move the Rams inside the Erskine 25-yard line before Watson rushed for 10 yards to set up Edwards. Kyree Edwards capped the drive with a one-yard touchdown run with 27 seconds remaining in the half, cutting the deficit to 13-10 at the break.
Neither team found the end zone early in the third quarter, but Bluefield's defense continued to keep the Rams within striking distance. After forcing an Erskine turnover on downs, the Rams drove into Fleet territory before the Erskine defense forced a fumble to end the possession.
Erskine turned the turnover into points, extending the Fleet's lead to 20-10.
Bluefield answered with a scoring drive of its own. Zack Paulk helped move the Rams 46 yards before Dylan Ausley connected on a 42-yard field goal with 1:22 remaining in the quarter to pull BU within one score, 20-13.
However, Erskine responded with a touchdown early in the fourth quarter to push the Fleet's advantage to 27-13.
The Fleet added another field goal early in the fourth quarter before Bluefield mounted a late rally. The Rams marched 70 yards on nine plays, with Paulk connecting with Edwards for a seven-yard completion before Edwards and Paulk combined to move the ball inside the Erskine 10-yard line. Edwards capped the drive with a two-yard touchdown run with 5:33 remaining, trimming the deficit to 30-20.
Bluefield attempted an onside kick following the touchdown, but Erskine recovered and put together a clock-chewing drive that ended with another touchdown with 1:56 remaining.
The Rams were unable to answer on their final possession as Erskine held on for the 37-20 victory.
Bluefield finished the afternoon with 350 yards of total offense, including 230 passing yards and 120 rushing yards. Edwards led the Rams on the ground with 85 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries, while Haywood turned in a career-best receiving performance with nine catches for 153 yards. Watson completed 12-of-31 passes for 160 yards, while Paulk added 70 passing yards on 7-of-14 passing.
Defensively, Elijah Padgett led the Rams with 11 tackles, while Andre Plummer recorded six tackles, one sack and three tackles for loss. Taylor added five tackles and an interception. Bluefield's defense finished with eight tackles for loss and one sack.
Bluefield returns to action next Saturday, hosting the University of the Cumberlands at Mitchell Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m.
