Belhaven Stuns ETBU with 45-44 Comeback Victory in Thriller
Jackson, Miss. — Belhaven University rallied from a 13-point second-half deficit to defeat East Texas Baptist University 45-44 Saturday at Belhaven Bowl Stadium. The game was marked by explosive plays and a dramatic finish, including a game-saving interception in the final nine seconds, according to school officials.
The game began with back-to-back kickoff returns for touchdowns. ETBU’s Paul Woodard opened the scoring with a 100-yard kickoff return, but Belhaven’s Javon Slaton answered 18 seconds later with his own kickoff return for a touchdown. The first quarter saw six touchdowns and 42 combined points, with ETBU taking the lead on a 15-yard pass from Jack Crawford to Eric Stovall. Belhaven responded with a 62-yard run from Julien Tabor to tie the game at 14.
Belhaven took its first lead early in the second quarter after a fumble recovery set up an 82-yard touchdown pass from Ian Burleson to Will Jones. ETBU quickly answered with a 73-yard run by Woodard, and the teams traded the lead before halftime. ETBU led 34-31 at halftime after a fumble recovery in the end zone as time expired.
ETBU extended its lead to 44-31 with a 65-yard interception return and a subsequent touchdown run by Woodard. Belhaven cut the deficit to 44-38 entering the final quarter. The Blazers’ defense shut down the Tigers in the fourth quarter, forcing turnovers and stopping a fake punt attempt to regain possession.
Belhaven then scored twice late in the game. A 45-yard drive culminated with a touchdown pass from Burleson to Dwayne Winfield, giving the Blazers a 45-44 lead with 5:55 remaining. The defense held ETBU on its next possession, and an interception by Alex Desarzant in the final seconds sealed the victory after ETBU advanced to Belhaven’s 28-yard line.
Belhaven finished with 485 yards of total offense, including 244 passing and 241 rushing yards. Burleson completed 15 of 27 passes for 244 yards and a touchdown. Tabor led the ground game with 119 yards and two scores. Receiver Will Jones recorded 93 yards and a touchdown on two catches. Slaton totaled 209 yards on kickoff returns and scored a touchdown in the first quarter. Defensive standout Jimmy Byrd led with 10 tackles and three tackles for loss. Belhaven’s special teams and defense contributed significantly, with five sacks and three forced turnovers.
The Blazers will host Central College next Saturday at 11 a.m. at Belhaven Bowl Stadium. Follow @BelhavenBlazers on social media for updates on Belhaven athletics.
Source: Original Article
