Eagles Pummel Point (Ga.), 41-0
Photo Courtesy of Al Levine
VALLEY, Ala. – Dominant defense and 488 total yards (328 on the ground) helped the Eagles completely shut down Point (Ga.) and fly away from the Skyhawks, 41-0, Saturday afternoon in Appalachian Division action in Alabama.
"I thought we played well in all three phases and we are closer to playing a complete game, but we still aren't there," head coach James Miller said. "I loved our effort and physicality we displayed today, and I thought all our backs ran hard – we just have to do better taking care of the ball. Navarie had a nice game catching and Billy ran, and threw, the ball well.
Defensively, I thought we put pressure on the quarterback and made him uncomfortable all day. We played the ball better in the secondary as well. I am blessed to coach great kids at a great university with a great administration and coaching staff – we are all blessed."
No. 11 Reinhardt (5-2, 2-0 Mid-South Conference) was led on the ground by Isaiah Blake, who scored on the first drive of the game from 11 yards out, and led all rushers with 101 yards and two touchdowns on just 14 carries.
The cushion for the Eagles moved to 14-0 after Navarie Solomon crossed the goal line from 32 yards out, which helped the wideout again go over the 100-yard mark receiving with 106 yards on six receptions and a pair of scores.
The offensive line for the hometown squad continued to get open running lanes for its ball carries, and Dylan Kelly took advantage en route to a 17-yard touchdown dash in the opening minutes of the second period for a 20-0 lead after a missed extra-point.
Each team would alternate interceptions as the both defenses stood tall for the remainder of the opening half.
As they did on the first drive of the game, the Eagles got the ball and scored on their opening possession of the second half after Billy Hall ran into the paint from 15 yards away. A seven-yard punt from Point then allowed the dynamic duo of Hall and Solomon to connect once again – from 34 yards out – for a 34-0 lead.
Blake would then book-end the scoring by crossing the goal line a second time from one yard out.
Hall had 160 yards passing and was second on the team in rushing with 87 more on 12 carries.
Tyler Duckett led the way defensively with eight tackles and a sack. Teon Burroughs was also credited with 1.5 sacks and five total stops.
In total, the Eagles accumulated three sacks and two interceptions in the victory.
A monster matchup now looms with 17th-ranked Faulkner (Ala.) next Saturday as Reinhardt hosts Homecoming and a Pink Out in the stands – in recognition of breast cancer awareness.
Kickoff is set for Noon at Ken White Field at University Stadium.
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