Eagles Top Bluefield on the Road 45-21

Bluefield, VA - For the second week in a row, the Eagles put up huge numbers scoring above forty points. This week, it was Bluefield that would fall victim to Coach Miller's #11-ranked Eagles with a score of 45-21. Since narrowly losing to Bethel at home on the second game of the season, the Eagles have outscored their opponents 151-65. Quarterback Hunter Arters and the offense continue to put up great statistics while Bryce Atchison, Jon Perry, and the Eagles' defense have opponents wondering how to reach the end zone. Coach Miller and his hardworking staff have created a very athletic and entertaining brand of football that is preparing to make some noise in the NAIA playoffs.

First Quarter

The Eagles would actually trail the Rams of Bluefield at the end of the first quarter, 14-7, but the lead would not last long and it would be the last time Bluefield would lead in the game. Tyress McKey would have the big play of the game with a 75-yard run for the Eagles' first score of the game. McKey's touchdown would come on the Eagles' first play of the game after Bluefield scored on their first drive. McKey would end up with 145 total yards rushing in the game.

Second Quarter

It would not be until the second quarter for the Eagles to find the endzone again and tie the game at 14 all. This time it was AAC Offense Player of the Week, Devyn Collins, who scored on a 36-yard run early in the second quarter. Collins had another 100-yard rushing day for the second week in a row hitting the century mark right on the dot on 15 attempts. This is also the first time this season that the Eagles had two 100-yard rushers in a single game. McKey and Collins combined for 245 total yards of the 504 offensive yards that they had in the combine. The Eagles had 283 total rushing yards in the game and 221 passing yards from the arm of Hunter Arters.

The Eagles would have two more scores in the second quarter after Collin's touchdown. Kicker, Reid Schratwieser connected on a 23-yard field goal to give the Eagles their first lead of the game, 17-14, with about three minutes left in the second quarter. The final score of the quarter came just before the half on a 2-yard pass from Arters to Navarie Solomon giving the Eagles a 10-point lead going into halftime, 24-14.  Solomon had 3 catches in the game for 44 total yards and two scores.

Third Quarter

The Rams came out of halftime ready to go as they would score on their first drive of the second half and narrow the gap to just 3 points, however, it would not take long for the Eagles to get on the board again and this time they would not stop. Devyn Collins would get another touchdown for his second of the game. It would come with just nine minutes left in the third quarter on a five-play drive stretching 71 yards.

Solomon and Arters would connect again at the end of the third quarter for a 33-yard touchdown like they have done a few times this season. The quick fourteen points in the third put this game out of reach and the third quarter would end with the Eagles leading 38-21.

Fourth Quarter

The defense would show what they are made of in the fourth quarter holding the Rams scoreless. Tylan Oglesby would get his first interception of the season and he would pick off a pass and take it to the house for an 85-yard interception pick-six. When Oglesby gets the jets going, there is not a faster person in the AAC (maybe all of the NAIA). It was a beautiful play for the Eagles and a crusher for Bluefield as the Eagles would firmly place themselves in the top spot of the standings. Oglesby also had another interception in the game, which he returned for 45 yards. Oglesby was the game-changer versus Bluefield and put the game into the Eagles' hands.

Defensively, the Eagles would have a really good game with Bryce Atchison leading the way with 7 tackles. He was followed by Christopher Long with 6 tackles and Tyler Hallum with 5 tackles. Jon Perry, Vertez Shorter, and Calvin Issac would each have a quarterback sack in the game. Shorter led the way for the Eagles with 2 tackles for a loss.

Wrap Up

The Eagles will have the week off on Saturday, Oct 22nd and then return back home for back-to-back weekends. This is something that they have not enjoyed all season. Saturday, Oct. 29th will be the Homecoming Game for the Eagles and they will face St. Andrews for a noon kickoff. The following Saturday, the Eagles will face Point on Nov 5th and this will be a tough game for the Eagles. The Eagles beat both St. Andrews and Point University earlier in the season, but the second time around it is much harder to beat the team. The Eagles only beat Point with the score of 24-14 and the Skyhawks were pushing to score right until the end of the game.

After the two home games, the Eagles will wrap up their successful regular season with a road game with Union of Kentucky. If these next three games go well for the Eagles, then there is a chance that they might get to host a playoff game. A lot has to play out before this happens, but the Eagles are firing on offense and the defense is closing up the end zone. Look for the Eagles to focus and finish out these last remaining games with three wins going into the playoffs. Stay tuned to www.reinhardteagles.com for more information on the upcoming games for all sports programs.