FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Belhaven Football team capped off the 2024 season on a high note on Saturday, overpowering Methodist by a final of 26-3 at Monarch Stadium. 

The Blazers' offense went straight to work after receiving the opening kickoff, finishing off a 12-play, 70-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run from D'Ante Gallashaw. Dee Gray hauled in his first interception of the day a couple drives later to give Belhaven the ball back late in the opening quarter.

The Blazers once again picked up points on a drive that lasted 8:32 and consisted of 17 plays. Constantine Hontzas hit his program-record 13th field goal of the season from 26 yards out to put Belhaven up 9-0 with 9:14 left in the half.

Methodist got on the board with a field goal, but the Blazers answered right before the half ended with a 26-yard strike from Blake Kirby to RJ Garrison to take a 16-3 lead into the locker room. Hontzas connected from 28 yards midway through the third to push Belhaven's lead to 19-3 after three.

After the Belhaven defense continued its strong play with a turnover on downs, the Blazers iced the game away as Kirby hit Jacobey James-Grace for a 15-yard score to give the Green and Gold a 26-3 advantaage with nine minutes to go.

Dee Gray intercepted his second pass on the following drive to halt any chance of a late comeback effort from the Monarchs as the Blazers closed out the hosts by the 23-point margin.

Kirby finished the day 18-for-30 through the air for 181 yards and two touchdowns while adding 59 yards on the ground. Devin Daniels went over the century mark with 120 yards on 18 carries. D'Ante Gallashaw totaled 48 yards and a touchdown on seven carries. Garrison and James-Grace each recorded touchdown receptions.

Wyatt Beck led the Blazers' defense with seven tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks, while Dee Gray picked off two passes. Reece Benoit also recorded a pair of sacks.

It was a strong day for both sides of the ball as Belhaven outgained the Monarchs 401-150 in total yards.

The Blazers finish the opening season of the CJ Nightingale era with a record of 5-5 and a conference record of 5-3. The Green and Gold will head into the offseason with momentum after winning four of their last five contests.

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