MARSHALL, Texas - The Blazers football team came up just short on Saturday falling to East Texas Baptist University 28-17 in a tough conference road battle.

The Blazers were able to jump on top early after Cade Ganey hit a 22-yard field goal on Belhaven's opening drive. Belhaven's defense stood strong early but an 85-yard touchdown pass from Brian Baca to Jalen Blanton would help give the Tigers a 7-3 before the end of the first quarter.

The Tigers would extend their lead four minutes into the second quarter when Baca would hit Davion Carter for a 58-yard score. Belhaven would answer back just a few minutes later though when Mario Asagunla capped off a 12-play drive with an 8-yard touchdown pass to LaMarcus Caradine cutting the lead to 14-10 Tigers. Belhavenw would regain the lead with four minutes to go in the first half when Brad Foley broke off a 57-yard touchdown run giving the Blazers the 17-14 advantage headed into the break.

East Texas Baptist would come out in the second half and recapture the lead as a 64-yard drive was capped off by a 2-yard pass from Baca to Samarick Paul. The final score of the game would come midway through the fourth quarter when Mario Asagunla fumbled while being sacked and the ball was recovered by Zach Pike for an ETBU touchdown. 

Without starting quarterback Hunter McEachern, the Blazers were lead by Mario Asagunla who went 15-33 for 148 yards, a touchdown, and an interception late in the game. Brad Foley had a big day on the ground with 153 yards rushing and a score. Asagunla also ran for 101 yards on the day. Fabien Williams led the way receiving with six catches for 72 yards while LaMarcus Caradine caught the ball five times for 64 yards and a touchdown. 

Defensively, Belhaven held their opponent to 28 points or fewer for the fifth straight time this season with seven of the Tigers' points coming via turnover. David Lewis racked up 11 total tackles including 1.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss. Bo Robertson had nine total tackles on the day. Rock Schexnaydre and Chris Cobb each recorded a sack. 

Belhaven will return to action next Saturday, October 12th, when they host Southwestern University at Belhaven Bowl Stadium. Kickoff in the ASC contest is set for 1 PM.

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