Bellhaven 55, Texas College 43

September 15, 2007

By Joel Thornton

Jackson, Miss., The Belhaven College Blazers football team (1-2) defeated the Texas College Steers (0-3) 55-43 on Saturday for their first win of the 2007 season. Senior quarterback Matt Rich set a school record with 6 passing touchdowns and ran for 2 as the Blazers racked up 358 yards passing in the game.

The Blazers set the tone of the game early as they scored on their first 2 possessions of the game to go up 13-0 on the Texas College Steers in the first quarter. Belhaven senior quarterback Matt Rich scored the first touchdown of the game as he followed his offensive line on a quarterback sneak from 1 yard out. After Blazers defense forced a 3-and-out Rich then connected on a 15 yard touchdown pass to Barry Johnson. The Steers then blocked the extra point to hold the Blazers lead to 13-0.

Texas College then took advantage of Blazers' miscues to score 2 touchdowns and a field goal to take a 17-13 lead. The Blazers then re-seized momentum as Matt Rich found Graylin Allison for 2 more touchdowns to give the blazers a 26-17 halftime lead.

The second half saw more of the same as both offenses were able to move the ball down the field. Matt Rich hooked up with Graylin Allison, Anthony Embry and Lee Dyson as the Blazers led the Steers 53-37 with 6:39 left. Morris Thomas then capped off the Steers scoring with a run yard run to bring the score to 53-37. Trailing by 16 points the Steers chose to go for 2 and that's when Javoris Chester put the cherry on top as he steeped in front of X'Zavier Bloodsaw pass to take the ball 98 yards for 2 points, and a 55-37 victory.

The Blazers will be back in action next Saturday, September 22, as they open 2007 Mid-South Conference play hosting the Bethel College Wildcats (2-1). Bethel is ranked #6 nationally and will come in well rested as they had a bye week this weekend. The special game time is set for 6:30.