Eagles Survive Clash of the Birds

Photo Courtesy of Greg Spell/G-RoxPhotos.com

WALESKA, Ga. – A showdown between two top-14 squads turned into a defensive slugfest as turnovers and defense made points hard to come by at Homecoming in Waleska at Ken White Field at University Stadium.

The 10^th-ranked host Eagles were able to hold off Faulkner (Ala.), 14-6, and remain perfect in Appalachian Division play inside the Mid-South Conference at 3-0 in league play.

Reinhardt scored the only two touchdowns of the afternoon – a 58-yard catch by Navarie Solomon late in the first period – and then Devyn Collins plunged into the end zone with 58 seconds remaining for the eight-point cushion.

The hometown Eagles gained 328 yards (203 rushing) on offense, but perhaps the deciding factor in the outcome was the fact they were the recipients of five Faulkner turnovers in the win.

"Great team win as the defense was lights out with five turnovers and four huge sacks that were a result of constant pressure on the quarterback," head coach James Miller said. "I'm so proud of our defensive staff, as those guys have been putting numbers up all year and we found a way to stop them; that's a testament to our players and coaches for a great job. Offensively, I just thought we killed ourselves at times when we would get an explosive play and then get a penalty or a negative-yardage play to put us behind the sticks – no offense can do that and be successful – but, when we needed a big touchdown, we got it late in the game and I was proud of them of that.

Our team showed a lot of guts today, as Faulkner is a very, very good football team; a lot of credit to their staff and their players for the amount of effort and heart they showed today. I thought both teams played their guts out, and I was just blessed to be a part of this."

Both teams struggled to hold onto any momentum throughout the contest, as Reinhardt missed big-play opportunities – and the visiting Eagles – would put drives together for scoring opportunities, but turnovers stopped them in their tracks.

Dylan Kelly led the team in rushing with 74 yards and Solomon added 68 in the air, but the stat sheet truly belonged to the defense.

Teon Burroughs made six total stops with three tackles for-loss, including a pair of crushing sacks. Herve Aklotsoe had four tackles and a sack – along with a pair of fumble recoveries.

Devin Harris also had a sack included in his three tackles, while Jalen Everett had four stops and an interception in the end zone for a touchback.

The Knights of St. Andrews (N.C.) welcome Reinhardt to town next Saturday in a 1 p.m. matchup.

For up-to-the-minute Eagles sports news, follow Reinhardt Athletics on Facebook, @RU_Eagles on Twitter and @ru_eagles on Instagram. 

For more information on Reinhardt Football, please click here.