JACKSON, Miss. - The Belhaven football team entered 2013 surrounded by preseason excitement, including a top 25 national ranking. While the Blazers were favored to win the Mid-South Conference's Western Division, a slew of injuries derailed those dreams, and Belhaven finished with a 3-8 overall record.

The season started out on the right note with a 36-26 victory over Texas College at H.T. Newell Field, but the next Blazer win wouldn't come until October 12th. With a 40-21 defeat of Bluefield College, Belhaven recorded their largest margin of victory of the season. The Green and Gold were able to finish strong, outdueling Bethel College by a final of 55-45.

Belhaven planned for the ground game to be a major factor in their offense, so it should come as no surprise that 16 Blazers received carries this season. Rashad Wynes highlighted the rushing attack with 456 yards and four touchdowns. Newcomer Laderick Turner finished his season with 407 yards on the ground and three scores.

Because of the injury bug, each of Belhaven's three quarterbacks received multiple starts. Senior Ian McGinnis emerged as the primary passer late in the year, completing 53% of his passes and surpassing 1200 yards in the air. In addition, he connected on 12 touchdown strikes, including a long of 72 yards.

On the receiving end, senior Justin Kenyon led a group of 15 Blazers that caught passes in 2013, including six that found the end zone. Kenyon ended his final season at Belhaven with 661 yards and five scores. Deuce Coon followed with 481 yards and four touchdowns of his own, while Lamiquell Roberts recorded 471 yards and five scores.

Defensively, the Blazers recorded 12 interceptions as team, led by Brennan Dunklin's four. Darius Wren was the lone Blazer defender who was able to take one back for a touchdown, a 35 yard return. Wren also finished as Belhaven's leader in tackles, totaling 81 for the season. Freshman Alonso Acosta gave his team a boost on special teams, hitting 12 of his attempted 13 field goals with his longest coming from 42 yards out.

Ten Blazers earned Mid-South Conference postseason awards, highlighted by offensive lineman Matt Hall and corner Justin Mims being named as All-Conference selections. Fred Smith, Kenyon, Patrick Wilson, Alonso Acosta, and Darius Wren were all named to the second team in the same category. Wilson, Darrell Williams, Robert Hannah, and Cal Cherry were all named to the MSC's All-Academic Team. Hall was also named to the 2013 AFCA NAIA All-American First Team.

Belhaven now will focus on the 2014 season and hit the recruiting trail with hopes of rebounding from 2013.