BREVARD, N.C. - The Belhaven Football team looks to open up the USA South slate in the win column on Saturday when they travel to North Carolina to battle Brevard at Ives-Lemel Family Field. 

The two teams have squared off in the regular season finale each of the last two seasons. This season, the matchup comes much sooner, signifying the USA South opener for both teams. In 2022, Belhaven reached a then-program record eight regular season wins with a 20-7 road win over the Tornados. Last season, the Blazers secured the USA South title and their first NCAA Division III Playoff berth with a 46-19 home win.

Brevard enters the weekend with a record of 0-1 after falling to Hampden-Sydney in last week's season opener. Despite leading 30-21 heading into the final quarter, the Tigers scored 30 unanswered to down the Tornados, 51-30.

Signal-caller Ethan Beamish returns to lead the Tornados offensively after an impressive sophomore season. In the opener, Beamish went 18-for-29 for 294 yards and an interception. Running back Chancellor Lee-Parker leads the Brevard rushing attack. The Tornado tailback totaled 66 yards and three touchdowns on 14 carries against Hampden-Sydney. Wide receiver Zackary Orr is coming off of a career game as the Charleston, South Carolina native hauled in eight passes for 205 yards.

Defensively, Baylee Ramey led the team with 13.0 tackles, a tackle for loss, and 0.5 sack in the opener. Defensive lineman Robert Dorsey finished with 10.0 stops, 2.5 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks. In the secondary, senior James Woods tallied eight tackles and an interception.

Kickoff between the Blazers and Tornados is set for 12:00 PM CT.

Game notes can be found here.

For the latest news on Belhaven Blazers athletics, follow @BelhavenBlazers on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. To support Belhaven Athletics check out Team Green Giving.