Belhaven Players Earn Weekly Honors After Upset Victory

JACKSON, Miss. — Belhaven University claimed three weekly awards from the USA South Conference after its 45-44 victory over East Texas Baptist on Saturday.

Running back Julien Tabor was named Offensive Player of the Week. The sophomore rushed 24 times for 119 yards and scored two touchdowns. He also caught two passes for 36 yards, including a 62-yard touchdown run that tied the game early in the first quarter. Through two games, Tabor has 213 rushing yards and 250 all-purpose yards, leading Belhaven in both categories.

Defensive lineman Jimmy Byrd earned Defensive Player of the Week honors. Byrd recorded a career-high 10 tackles, including three for loss and two sacks. His fumble recovery late in the first quarter set up a field goal, and he also forced a fumble and hurried the quarterback. Byrd is tied for the team lead with 13 tackles and leads with three tackles for loss and two sacks.

Senior defensive back Xander Roberts was named the Special Teams Player of the Week. Roberts made a crucial play by blocking an East Texas Baptist extra-point attempt late in the second quarter, which proved to be the difference in the game. He also contributed two pass breakups, a tackle for loss, and has seven solo tackles this season. His third-down stop in the fourth quarter helped force a punt, securing Belhaven’s victory.

The three standout performances helped Belhaven overcome a 13-point second-half deficit and shut out ETBU in the fourth quarter. The Blazers scored the final 14 points of the game, sealing the win with an interception by Alex Desarzant at the Belhaven 6-yard line with nine seconds remaining.

Belhaven will host Central College at Belhaven Bowl Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, with kickoff scheduled for 11 a.m. Fans can follow the team on Twitter and Instagram at @BelhavenBlazers and like them on Facebook. Supporters are encouraged to check out Team Green Giving for ways to contribute to Belhaven Athletics.

Source: Original Article