Game Notes
JACKSON, Miss.- Belhaven is hoping to rebound against Bluefield College this week after a disappointing loss at home last week to Kentucky Christian University 13-10. It's also Homecoming this weekend, making the game that much more important. Bluefield enters the game with an 0-7 record and looking to get the programs first win in 2012. This is the first year for football at Bluefield since 1941.
Blazer Bits
Game 7: Belhaven (2-4, 1-1 MSC) vs. Bluefield (0-7), Saturday October 13
th 1:30 PM, in Jackson, Miss, H.T. Newell Field.
Last Meeting: N/A
Coaches: Joe Thrasher (Belhaven-4
th Season), Mike Gravier (Bluefield- 1
st Season)
Series vs. Bluefield (0-0): Saturday's game will be the first matchup between the two programs.
Roadblock: After rushing for over 200 yards in the previous three games, Belhaven's ground attack ran into a roadblock that was setup by Kentucky Christian's tough 3-4 defense. The Knights held the Blazers to a season low of 65 yards on the ground last week. The Blazers are still averaging 193.7 yards per game on the ground coming into this week. Getting the ground game back on track will be a key for Belhaven this week.
West Division Watch: Despite last week's loss, Belhaven still has a shot at the Mid-South Conference West Division Title. However, if their hopes are to remain alive, this Saturday's game is a must win for the Blazers who are 1-1 in conference play. Belhaven must win out and get a little help in order to get to the top of the standings.
In the Spotlight: Since the defenses dominated last week's game, it's only fitting that our player in the spotlight this week is on that side of the ball. Junior linebacker
Darius Wren had a monster game against the Knights with 12 tackles, one tackle for a loss and an interception that setup a field goal. Wren is second on team in tackles this season with 44 and Saturday's INT was his second of the 2012 campaign.
Quick Stats: Belhaven's defense has quietly climbed into the top 20 in the national rankings in four different categories. The Blazers are seventh in pass defense efficiency (95.2), 14
th in pass defense per game (155.5 ypg), and 19
th in both first downs allowed (93) and total defense (316 ypg).
Tale of the Tape: Belhaven once again holds the edge in the stat sheets heading into the weekend. The Blazers are averaging 384.2 yards of total offense compared to Bluefield's average of 231.7 yards per game. Belhaven is outgaining the Rams on the ground 193.7 to 88.1 yards per game and through the air the numbers favor the Blazers as well, 190.5 to 143.6.
For a closer inside look at this week's matchup, fans can click on the game notes link above. Media coverage this weekend includes live stats and play-by-by play audio that can be accessed by clicking
here. Kickoff is slated for 1:30 PM.