Jackson, MS-Saturday's matchup with the Bulldogs is a pivotal game for both Belhaven and Cumberland. Cumberland is 2-0 in the Mid-South Conference West Division, which puts them in a tie for first with Lambuth University. The Blazers are 1-1 in conference play and still have a shot at winning the league title. Cumberland is led by third year head coach Dewayne Alexander. The Bulldogs are off to a 3-3 start heading into Saturday's game. The Blazers lost last year's matchup with Cumberland 35-34.

 

Belhaven returns to the friendly confines of H.T. Newell Field for Homecoming after losing last week on the road at Campbellsville 35-33. The Blazers jumped out to an early 14-0 lead before Campbellsville scored with 11 seconds to go in the first half to take the momentum into halftime. A missed extra point and failed two point conversion hurt Belhaven down the stretch as the Tigers rallied for the win. The Blazers are 2-5 and 1-1 in the Mid-South Conference meaning that a win over Cumberland today could potentially put the Blazers in a tie for the conference lead. 

 

 

Belhaven will see a different look on offense from the Bulldogs this week compared to previous opponents. Cumberland's base offense is a hybrid wing with multiple slots which features misdirection and a balance of running and passing plays. Six different players carried the ball last week for the Bulldogs in their 27-14 loss to Virginia Wise. Junior Quarterback Matt Eads completed 17 of 32 passes for 172 yards while throwing two interceptions in last week's game. Freshman fullback T.J. Majors is the leading rusher for the Bulldogs carrying the ball 52 times for 272 yards which equates to a 5.2 yards per carry average on the year. The running game of Cumberland could pose some challenges for the Belhaven defense this week due to the fact that the Blazers have been susceptible to the run at times this season.

 

Belhaven will face a 4-3 defensive look from Cumberland this afternoon. The Bulldogs defensive front is anchored by 300 pound senior nose guard Jesse Montoya. Sophomore 280 pound Defensive tackle Johnny Turner will also provide a test for the Belhaven offensive line. Junior corner Anthony Allen leads the team in tackles with 37 while Turner and defensive end Josh Smith each have 2.5 sacks a piece on the year. As a team, the defense is giving up 380 yards per game.

 

Cumberland's three wins have come against Campbellsville 48-38, Bethel 44-16, and Faulkner 38-3. The Bulldogs suffered defeats to Chattanooga, Georgetown and the University of the Cumberlands.

 

 

 

Belhaven is looking to rebound from last week's tough loss on the road at Campbellsville. Jerred Wallace has solidified the quarterback position and had another strong outing against the Tigers. Wallace completed 33 of 55 pass attempts for 342 yards and two touchdowns. On the year, Wallace has completed 58 percent of his passes for 1,362 yards and 11 touchdowns. Ricardo Bolton had a strong effort against Campbellsville carrying the ball 14 times for 62 yards and a touchdown. Bolton has rushed for five touchdowns in total for the season The Blazers have improved in the turnover department over the last two games as well. Belhaven committed just one turnover last week and only two the week before.

 

Defensive End, Eric Ortiz has continued to be impressive in his senior season as a Blazer. Ortiz led Belhaven in tackles a week ago with 12, including another quarterback sack. Ortiz ranks third in the NAIA with a 1.3 sacks per game average and eighth in tackles for a loss per game with 1.8. Reginald Lumpkin also reached double digit tackles against Campbellsville with 10 including a sack. The Blazers are number one in the NAIA averaging 4.1 sacks per game as a team. Good pressure on the quarterback leads to turnovers and the Blazers forced another interception last week. Jordan Snipes had the pick and broke up three other passes on the afternoon.

 

Saturday's contest with Cumberland will be an opportunity for the Blazers to get themselves right back into the conference race. Despite the 2-5 record, Belhaven is 1-1 in the Mid South Western division and could still win the division title with a strong finish to the season. If the Blazers are going to make that run, it has to begin today against the Bulldogs. As always, the game could be a high scoring matchup with Belhaven's air invasion offense and the balanced attack of Cumberland. Cumberland averages 384 yards per game and 28.7 points while the Blazers rack up 373 yards and put up 25.3 points per outing.