Game Notes
JACKSON, Miss.- The Belhaven football team is on a roll heading into this weekend's showdown with the University of Pikeville (KY). The Blazers have won three straight games, including five of their last six, and are playing as well as anybody in the Mid-South Conference. Belhaven's most recent victory was a 35-0 win at Faulkner last week. It was the program's first shutout since 2001 when the Blazers topped the University of West Alabama 21-0. Pikeville got off to a hot start winning three of the first four games in 2012, but the Bears are mired in a five game losing streak coming into the weekend. Pikeville lost to Kentucky Christian University last week 22-10.
 
Blazer Bits
Game 10: Belhaven (5-4, 4-1 MSC) vs. University of Pikeville (KY) (3-6, 1-3 MSC), Saturday November 3^rd 1:30 PM, in Jackson, Miss. H.T, Newell Field. Last Meeting: September 29^th, 2007. (Belhaven 48 Pikeville 28)
 
Coaches: Joe Thrasher (Belhaven-4^th Season), Dudley Hilton (Pikeville- 1^st Season)
 
Series vs. Pikeville (Series Tied 2-2): Saturday's game will be the fifth meeting between the two programs. The two teams first played in 2001 with the most recent in 2007.
 
Defense Does it Again: The defense picked up right where it left off from the Lindsey Wilson game, forcing Faulkner into four turnovers after producing seven takeaways at Lindsey Wilson. Belhaven's defense completely baffled a Faulkner offense that came into the game averaging over 481 yards per contest. On Saturday, the Eagles were limited to just 97 yards and only 36 yards were generated through the air. Josh Hollingsworth completed only two passes for -3 yards before leaving the game late in the second quarter. Hollingsworth entered the weekend fourth in the nation in total passing yards with 2299. He was fifth in the country in yards passing per game (287.4).
 
Last week's performance continued to move Belhaven upward in the NAIA statistical rankings. The Blazers are 4^th in the NAIA in pass defense effiency (83.3), 6^th in pass defense per game at 138.7 yards allowed, and 13^th in total defense allowing just 275.8 yards per game. Belhaven is surrendering only 17 points per game which ranks them 15^th in the nation in that category.
 
Chase for a Title: Belhaven is in the hunt for its first MSC West Division title and a berth in the playoffs, but must win the final two games of the season in order to have a chance to accomplish both. The only two teams in the West still standing with a chance at the division title are Belhaven and Bethel (TN), who comes to H.T. Newell Field on November 10^th. That game will decide the division championship, but in order for the Blazers to have a chance at the playoffs this weekend's game is also a must win. In order to be one of the 16 teams to qualify for the playoffs, the Blazers must win the division and also be ranked in the top 20 in the final NAIA coaches' poll. Belhaven must close the season with two wins to have any hope of the season continuing past week 11.
 
In the Spotlight: Craig McDonald is this week's Blazer in the spotlight as well the Mid-South Conference Defensive Player of the Week. McDonald, a senior from Collinsville, MS, had a solid defensive effort leading the Blazers with 11 tackles in the 35-0 victory at Faulkner. McDonald also had his second interception in as many weeks giving him two on the season. McDonald ranks fifth in the Mid-South South averaging 8-1/2 tackles per outing and his two interceptions are tied for 12th in the conference. McDonald now has 68 tackles on the season, second most on the team, and needs only 10 more tackles to break the school record for most tackles in a career. McDonald is currently tied for second on the all-time list with 283 and could possibly break the mark on Saturday.
 
Quick Stats: Belhaven's offense continues to be in the top 20 in multiple categories when it comes to the NAIA national statistical rankings. The Blazers are 11^th in total scoring (321), 11^th in rushing yards (1977) and 12^th in rushing yards per game (219.7). Belhaven is also 16^th in points per game (35.7).
 
Tale of the Tape: Belhaven holds the edge for the 7^th consecutive week in the running game while Pikeville's passing attack has been the strength of their offense this season. The Blazers are averaging 219.7 yards rushing per game compared to Pikeville with 112.6 yards. The Bears are averaging 202.9 passing yards per game and rank 33^rd in the NAIA in total passing yards (1826). In total yards, Belhaven puts up 387 total yards each contest compared to Pikeville, who is averaging 315.4 yards per game.
 
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.