ABILENE, Texas - The Belhaven University football team fell 42-30 at McMurry in American Southwest Conference play. The Blazers now fall to 1-4 overall on the season and 0-4 in ASC play.
The Blazers appeared to come out firing on all cylinders as they were quickly able to establish much needed running game against a WarHawk defense that was allowing 317 rush yards per game.
After McMurry scored on their opening drive, running back Brad Foley put the Blazers on the board with a 1 yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter to give the green and gold 6 points. Belhaven was unfortunate to add the point after attempt as they would trail 7-6 with 6:37 left in the first quarter.
The first quarter would end with the Warhawks leading 7-6 and would stay that way until a Nick Guzman kick would give Belhaven the 9-7 lead with 9:06 to go until half time.
The Blazers would continue to add to their lead with a huge defensive touchdown by Maurice Stewart as he was able to recover a fumble by McMurry's backup, Quarterback Kevin Hurley, to extended the Blazer lead to 16-7.
Another big defensive stop by the swarming Belhaven defense gave the Belhaven offense enough time to get another quick score to once again push the first half lead to 23-7 with 1:10 left to half time.
Belhaven's defense was the story of the first half as they were able to apply pressure on McMurry's starting quarterback Vincent James, forcing him run on his feet and make inaccurate passes.
It was a tale of two halves for both teams as McMurry made the half time adjustments as they would bring a different offensive approach for the next two quarters by starting backup quarterback Kevin Hurley who seemed to have a more accurate throw on the run.
The Blazer defense continued to apply pressure on McMurry, yet with the quarterback change, Hurley seemed to be little bit more relaxed in the pocket and on the run as he was able to light up the Blazer secondary with several big plays that resulted in multiple touchdowns of more than 50 yards.
After being up 23-7, Belhaven's lead would quickly diminish with four straight unanswered touchdowns by the McMurry Warhawks. All four touchdowns would come through the air with passes completed to Justin Eaton for touchdowns of 63 and 10 yards, as well as touchdowns to Eriel Dorsey and Jacob Metcalf in which they would score from 22 and 51 yards out, respectfully.
Being down 35-23 with 9:02 remaining in the fourth quarter, Belhaven would stop the bleeding with a 1 yard rush by Quarterback Watson Fondren, whom got the start in place for the injured Hunter McEachern, to pull the score within reach to 35-30.
Unfortunately, another McMurry touchdown would seal the deal, giving the Warhawks the 42-30 win.
For the game, Watson Fondren did an excellent job stepping in for McEachern, as he was able to complete 42-64 passing attempts for a whopping 449 yards through the air.
The Blazers once again were able to establish the running game as they were led by running back Brad Foley, who had 95 yards rushing on 18 attempts and 2 touchdowns.
Quan Jones led the team with 10 catches and 89 yards. LaMarcus Caradine hauled in 9 catches for 94 yards and Kyky Austin once again had another 100 yard receiving game, this time with 123 yards on 8 catches.
On the defensive side of the ball, Belhaven was led by Dennarrius Noel, 9 Tackles and 2 tackles for loss, and Keith Marshall who had 8 total tackles.
McMurry's, Kevin Hurley came in and finished 11-14 for 245 yards and 4 touchdowns while receiver Justin Eaton had just 3 catches for 118 yards and 2 touchdowns receiving.
The Blazers will return home next week to play ASC opponent Southwestern in what will be a 6:00 p.m. kickoff at Belhaven Bowl Stadium.
