JACKSON - The Belhaven Football team used a strong rushing attack and stout defensive effort to earn a 30-12 win over North Carolina Wesleyan on Homecoming Saturday. The win marked the first in first-year head coach CJ Nightingale's coaching career.
The Blazers got on the board first after a lengthy 11-play, 63-yard drive finished in a 34-yard field goal from Constantine Hontzas. The Belhaven kicker once again added three points to the ledger when he connected from 33 yards out with 10:46 left in the first half.
A safety on the ensuing kickoff continued to push the momentum in favor of the Green and Gold. Three plays later, D'Ante Gallashaw broke free for a 29-yard touchdown run to put Belhaven in front, 15-0. The visitors found the scoreboard with 7:44 left, but a blocked PAT kept the tally at 15-6 heading into the locker room.
After the halftime homecoming festivities concluded, the Blazers left no doubt in the third quarter. A near six-minute drive ended with a two-yard touchdown run from Caleb Gallashaw, and Blake Kirby connected with Zion Booth for the two-point conversion to give Belhaven a 23-6 advantage.
After Cooper Tullo set the offense up near midfield following a 31-yard punt return, he was rewarded a few plays later as Kirby hit him across the middle for a 19-yard score with 37 seconds left in the third quarter.
The Battling Bishops capped off the game's scoring with a touchdown with 2:53 left as Belhaven got into the win column with the 30-12 victory.
Kirby finished 12-of-17 for 129 yards and a touchdown. Caleb Gallashaw totaled 99 yards and a touchdown on the ground on 15 carries, while D'Ante Gallashaw recorded a score and 88 yards on 10 carries.
Tyler Miller led the defense with eight total tackles. Jimmy Byrd and Arnez Moore combined for a forced fumble and recovery as the Blazers' defense held NC Wesleyan's running game to just 90 yards.
The Blazers travel to Montgomery, Alabama next Saturday for a conference bout against Huntingdon. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM.
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