EMORY, Va. – The Emory & Henry University Football Team moved to 2-0 on the year Saturday, defeating Bluefield State University (1-2) by a 40-13 margin. The Wasps used a balanced offensive attack and took advantage of four turnovers by the Big Blue on the way to the victory.
The Basics
FINAL SCORE – Emory & Henry 40, Bluefield State 13
LOCATION – Emory, Virginia
VENUE – Nicewonder Field at Fred Selfe Stadium
RECORDS – Emory & Henry (2-0, 0-0 SAC); Bluefield State (1-2, 0-0 CIAA)
How It Happened
Both teams traded punts to open the game. After E&H threw an interception, BSU had a short field and scored four plays later on a 17-yard pass from Christian Solino to Thomas Lee to get on the board.
Emory & Henry answered on the next drive, streaking down the field 62 yards in six plays. Junior Jordan Jackson (Richmond, Va.) capped the drive with a 22-yard scamper to tie the contest. On the ensuing kickoff, the Bluefield State returner muffed the kick and it was recovered in the end zone by junior linebacker Marc Harris (Tallapoosa, Ga.) for a touchdown and a 14-0 lead.
E&H extended its lead to 17-7 on the next drive as junior Trace Butcher (Dacula, Ga.) converted a 21-yard field goal.
The Wasps continued their onslaught in the second quarter when sophomore defensive lineman Ean Rhea (Glade Spring, Va.) sacked Solino in the end zone for a safety and a 19-7 advantage.
Bluefield State got a pair of field goals before halftime as Danny Dales hit from 34 and 44 yards for a 19-13 halftime margin.
The third quarter belonged to Emory & Henry. Mutter linked up with junior tight end Nate Tinnell (Broadway, Va.) twice in the period for touchdowns of 16 and 17 yards to make it a 20-point game, 33-13.
In the fourth, the Wasps added one more touchdown to their tally as Mutter found sophomore Cam Abshire (Roanoke, Va.) across the middle for a 63-yard catch-and-run for the final 40-13 margin.
Emory & Henry Individual Leaders
Mutter went 10-for-24 through the air for 160 yards and three touchdowns. Sophomore Cole Lambert (Abingdon, Va.) threw for 49 yards on 3-for-7 passing.
Jackson rushed for 177 yards and one touchdown while Mutter had 53 yards on the ground.
Abshire caught a total of five passes for 123 yards and a score as Tinnell had 33 yards and a pair of touchdowns on two receptions.
Fifth-year defensive back Addison Knicely (Mount Crawford, Va.) posted eight tackles and had an interception for 17 yards while junior defensive back Jarrell Harrison (Virginia Beach, Va.) made seven stops. Junior defensive back Shawn Collins (Salem, Va.) tallied six tackles, an interception and four passes defended as senior defensive back Chendrick Cann (Pinellas Park, Fla.) posted four tackles and four break-ups.
Bluefield State Individual Leaders
Isaiah Teal threw for 99 yards on 8-for-20 passing while Solino had one touchdown on 7-for-20 through the air.
Ramon Brown led the Big Blues' running game with 57 yards while Aidan Lee added 43 yards.
Trey Lyles had seven receptions for 97 yards while Jaden Allen notched a catch for 42 yards. Jordan Mason hauled in five balls for 39 yards as Lee finished with two catches for 21 yards and a score.
Jahman McNeil posted a game-high 12 tackles as Justin Campbell had 10 stops. Anthony Fisher finished with nine stops and two passes defended while Marcus Young, Jr. notched six tackles and an interception which he returned for 24 yards.
A Deeper Look
Emory & Henry gained 442 yards of offense, averaging 6.1 yards per play. The Wasps rushed for 233 yards and had 209 yards through the air.
Bluefield State had a total of 307 yards on the afternoon, throwing for 225 and rushing for 82.
E&H converted 7-of-16 of their third-down chances while BSU was just 3-for-16.
Emory & Henry won the turnover battle, 4-1, picking off three passes and recovering a fumble.
Both teams were bitten by the penalty bug, as the Wasps were flagged 14 times for 125 yards and the Big Blue was hit for 12 penalties for 120 yards.
Up Next
Emory & Henry remains at home next Saturday as it opens South Atlantic Conference play against Barton College. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
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