Game Notes
JACKSON, Miss.- The Belhaven football team is on the road for the second consecutive week as the Blazers travel east to Montgomery, Alabama to battle Faulkner University in a key Mid-South Conference West Division matchup Saturday afternoon. The Blazers have won two straight games coming into the weekend, including a dominating 35-7 win at Lindsey Wilson last week. The Eagles suffered a 33-21 loss at Bethel University (TN) last week. Saturday's game is a must win for both teams if they hope to keep their chances alive for a MSC West Division title.
 
Blazer Bits
Game 7: Belhaven (4-4, 3-1 MSC) vs. Faulkner University (5-3, 3-1 MSC), Saturday October 27^th 1:30 PM, in Montgomery, Ala. John Mark Stallings Field. Last Meeting: October 8^th, 2011. (Belhaven 45 Faulkner 27)
 
Coaches: Joe Thrasher (Belhaven-4^th Season), Brent Barker (Faulkner- 1^st Season)
 
Series vs. Faulkner (Belhaven Leads 3-1): Saturday's game will be the fourth meeting between the two programs. Faulkner's only win in the series was a 41-31decision in 2010.
 
Dominating D: Belhaven's defensive prowess was on display last week in the 35-7 Mid-South Conference West Division win at Lindsey Wilson College. The Blazers forced seven turnovers and returned two interceptions for touchdowns that led to a crucial conference victory. The defense has quietly emerged over the last four games as a force to be reckoned with and came in as one of the top ranked pass defenses in the NAIA. They showed why on Saturday, holding a powerful Blue Raider passing attack to 176 yards. Last week's performance pushed Belhaven into the top 10 nationally in pass defense. The Blazers are 6^th in the NAIA in pass defense effiency (89) and 10^th in pass defense per game at 151.5 yards allowed.
 
West Division Watch: Belhaven continues to be in the thick of the Mid-South Conference West-Division title chase, but as was the case last week, faces a must win against Faulkner. The Blazers are tied in the standings with Faulkner at 3-1 and are a half game behind Bethel for first place. The Blazers host Bethel at H.T. Newell Field in the regular season finale on November 10^th.
 
In the Spotlight: Calvin Lewis is this week's Blazer in the spotlight as well as the C Spire Athlete of the Week, and Mid-South Conference Defensive Player of the Week. Lewis, a junior from Lorman, MS, spearheaded the defense in last week's victory. Lewis had two interceptions and took one back 54 yards for a touchdown while leading the team in tackles with 13, matching a season high. Lewis now owns a team high 65 tackles and has made two INT's and four fumble recoveries on the season. At the conference level, Lewis is tied for seventh in the Mid-South averaging 8.1 tackles per game this season.
 
Quick Stats: Belhaven's offense is also in the top 20 in multiple categories when it comes to the NAIA national statistical rankings. The Blazers are 11^th in total scoring (286), 13^th in rushing yards (1730) and 15^th in rushing yards per game (216.3). Belhaven is also 16^th in points per game (35.8).
 
Tale of the Tape: Similar to last week at Lindsey Wilson, Belhaven holds the edge in the running game while Faulkner's passing attack has been their bread and butter this season. The Blazers are averaging 216.3 yards rushing per game compared to Faulkner with 166.0 yards. The Blazers will face the best passing offense they have seen this season with Faulkner. The Eagles are averaging 315 passing yards per game and rank third in the NAIA in total passing yards (2521). In total yards, Faulkner is outgaining Belhaven 481.1 to 395.6 yards per contest.
 
For a closer inside look at this week's matchup, fans can click on the game notes link above. Media coverage this weekend includes play-by-by play audio that can be accessed by clicking here. Kickoff is slated for 1:30 PM.