BUENA VISTA, Va. - The Belhaven Football team continued its strong run through USA South competition on Saturday, defeating Southern Virginia 41-19 at Knight Stadium to remain unbeaten in conference play.

The Blazers improved to 6-2 overall and 5-0 in the USA South, maintaining a tie at the top of the conference with LaGrange. Belhaven's 5-0 start in conference play is the second time in the last three seasons that the Blazers have won five straight games to open USA South competition.

Belhaven wasted no time striking first. After a long kickoff return set up great field position, TJ Hatch hauled in a 16-yard touchdown pass from Brock Morris less than two minutes into the game. The Blazers extended their lead later in the quarter when Morris broke free on a 28-yard touchdown run on a designed keeper, giving Belhaven a 13-0 advantage after one quarter of play.

The Belhaven defense was equally sharp, forcing multiple punts and holding Southern Virginia to negative rushing yards in the opening quarter.

Southern Virginia cut into the deficit early in the second quarter, but Belhaven answered right back as Julien Tabor powered in from two yards out to push the margin back to double digits at 20-6.

After the hosts responded with a touchdown through the air, the Blazers orchestrated a quick scoring drive in the final minute of the half. Morris connected with Wyatt Locastro on a 24-yard touchdown pass with 27 seconds remaining, sending Belhaven into the break up 27-12.

Southern Virginia opened the second half with a quick scoring drive, but the Belhaven defense regrouped and shut down the Knights for the remainder of the game. Linebacker Wyatt Beck led the charge with eight tackles, three tackles for loss, and a sack, while Arnez Moore added two sacks. Austin Maloney contributed seven tackles and two quarterback hurries.

Belhaven put the game away in the fourth quarter behind two more touchdown passes from Morris. He first found Hatch for a 28-yard score, then hit Joseph Schlatre on a 24-yard strike midway through the period to seal the 41-19 win.

Morris finished 14-for-27 for 195 yards and four touchdowns, while also adding 73 rushing yards and a score. Hatch caught two touchdowns for 44 yards, and Schlatre, Locastro, and Tabor each added a touchdown of their own. The Blazers racked up 400 yards of total offense, including 188 on the ground, while the defense limited Southern Virginia to just 51 rushing yards on 27 attempts.

Belhaven (6-2, 5-0 USA South) hit the road again as they travel for a battle of undefeated conference foes when they take on LaGrange. Kickoff is set for 12:00 p.m.

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