JACKSON, Miss. - The Belhaven Blazers (2-3, 0-2 MSC West) come off of a bye week and look to snap a three-game losing skid when Bluefield College (1-5, 0-2 MSC East) comes to H.T. Newell Field for Saturday's game Mid-South Conference cross-division battle.
The Blazers are 2-0 all-time against Bluefield, with both games coming in the two most recent seasons. Belhaven has outscored the Rams 106-31 in the two games. In Belhaven's last meeting with the Rams, the Blazers defeated Bluefield College 40-21 in Virginia. The Blazers picked up a 66-10 win in Belhaven's last game against the Tigers at H.T. Newell Field.
Belhaven is 4-4 all time against teams from the state of Virginia. The Blazers have had a successful run against teams from the "Old Dominion State" in recent years, winning its last three games and four of five dating back to 2004. During the three game win streak, Belhaven has outscored teams from Virginia by a whopping 158-45.
The Blazers offense has totaled at least 400 yards in four straight games dating back to game two's win against Mississippi College when the Blazers had a season high 500 yards. Belhaven has averaged 86.75 plays per game in that stretch.
Wide receiver
Greg Livingston has been doing just that for the Blazers through five games. The senior leads the national in total receptions (54) and receptions per game (10.8) and has been a large part of Belhaven's aerial assault. Livingston also sits in seventh in total receiving yards with 594 and receiving yards per game, averaging 118.8. The senior had 11 grabs last week for 161 yards, including a 74-yard catch and run for a touchdown.
Hal Mumme's Air Raid offense has made an immediate impact on Belhaven, thrusting the Blazers to the top of the NAIA on the offensive side of the ball. Belhaven's offensive attack through the air has led to the Blazers being the No. 1 ranked passing attack in the country with 381.8 passing yards per game. Belhaven also has the 2nd ranked total passing offense (1908 yards) in the country, behind only Arizona Christian (1977), who have played seven games in 2014.
The Blazers offensive unit is currently third in the Mid-South Conference and 10th in all of the NAIA in total offense per game. Belhaven is averaging 443.6 yards per game on the offensive side of the ball with 310 rushing yards and 1908 passing yards through five games.
Along with that, the Blazers are also third in the MSC and 10th in the NAIA in First Downs per game. Belhaven has averaged 24.4 first downs per game. In total, the Green and Gold have had 85 first downs through the air with 21 on the ground and 16 by penalty.
Alvin Vaughn has been a big part of the Blazers defense, leading the team in tackles in three games this season. His effort in getting to the ball carrier has Vaughn sitting in 16th place overall in the NAIA in tackles per game with 10.6.
The Blazers defense has done a good job of limiting opponents passing games through the first five games. Belhaven has allowed just 158.2 yards passing per game, tied for 14th best in the NAIA and second best in the MSC.
A large part of that success has been the Green and Gold's success in getting to the quarterback. Belhaven is 14th in the NAIA and third in the MSC in sacks per game, averaging 2.8 per game. In total, the Blazers have 14 sacks for 87 yards through five games.
Gregory Goree leads the Blazers with 3.5 sacks for 30 yards.
With his 23-yard field goal at Cumberland,
Alonso Acosta has moved into a tie for fourth all time on the Belhaven career field goal list. Acosta is currently in a three-way tie for fourth with 13 career field goals. The sophomore is three away from third place and just nine behind the all time lead of 22.
Saturday's game will also be Belhaven's Pink Out game as the Blazers join up with Tackle-A-Cure. There will be a special ceremony prior to Saturday's 1:30 p.m. kick off.
