Game Preview: No. 12 Reinhardt vs. Bluefield (Va.)
By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media
WALESKA, Ga. – (Live Video | Stats) Divisional play within the Mid-South Conference is back at Ken White Field at University Stadium tomorrow afternoon as the 12th-ranked Eagles host the Rams of Bluefield (Va.) in a Noon kickoff.
Reinhardt (3-2) is the five-time defending Appalachian Division champion within the MSC, and is looking for back-to-back victories after bouncing back on the road, 40-16, under the lights last Saturday night against Ave Maria (Fla.).
In the matchup with the Gyrenes, the hometown squad recorded its first win in the history of the program over 10-plus hours away from home.
Against Ave Maria, Reinhardt gained 346 yards on the ground and scored six rushing touchdowns. The visitors got two touchdowns from Bryce Burgess in the opening half, and then watched as he crossed the goal line once again early in the in the third period from four yards away.
That touchdown run seemed to energize the team as it finished the game on a 27-9 run.
The Eagles hope to continue to keep the ball rolling on the ground as they average 304.8 yards rushing and nearly 40 points per game (39). The defense will need to rise to the occasion against the Rams as they bring to town a potent offensive attack through the air.
Bluefield enters the contest at 1-4 (0-1 MSC), but were within three points to No. 15 Faulkner (Ala.) late in the third period last week in a 31-28 defeat. The host Eagles would eventually pull away from the Rams in a 52-42 final, but quarterback Nathan Herstich came off the bench and threw for 405 yards and six touchdowns in the defeat.
The display through the air for Herstich was the third-best in school history for Bluefield. Additionally, wide receiver Antonio Strickland caught 15 passes for a school-record 219 yards in the gridiron battle.
Storylines for Saturday
1. Back on Track
The Eagles are looking to win back-to-back games after bouncing back on the road, 40-16, under the lights last Saturday night against Ave Maria (Fla.). It was the first win in the history of the program over 10-plus hours away from home.
2. Appalachian Play Begins
Reinhardt, who is the five-time defending Appalachian Division champion within one of the best leagues – the Mid-South Conference – begin its quest for an unprecedented sixth division title in-a-row at home against Bluefield (Va.).
3. About the Rams
Bluefield (Va.) enters the contest at 1-4 (0-1 MSC), but were within three points to No. 15 Faulkner (Ala.) late in the third period last week (31-28). The Eagles would eventually pull away from the Rams in a 52-42 final, but quarterback Nathan Herstich came off the bench and threw for 405 yards and six touchdowns in the defeat.
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