WILSON, North Carolina - Barton College celebrated its Homecoming Saturday. And how. The Bulldogs thumped the Big Blue 62-7, by far the worst loss in this return season of Bluefield State football.
Maybe the best thing to say about this game is that it was close until about mid-way into the second quarter.
Barton scored first with a 22-yard field goal at 6:11 in the first quarter. Then capped off a 78-yard drive with an eight-yard run for a touchdown at 14:55 in the second for a 10-0 lead.
The highlight of the afternoon for the Big Blue was coming right back with a fine 75-yard drive finished off with a 12-yard pass from J'Rell Joseph to Perry Wilder for the touchdown. Markaden Bryant had a nice 19-yard run, and Kish Grandberry also contributed with three rushes for eleven yards. Carson Crossman converted on the PAT for a 10-7 Barton lead. It looked like Bluefield State was ready to mount another come-from-behind win.
But not for long.
Barton responded with a 74-yard drive of their own to stretch the lead to ten again at 17-7.
Then Bluefield State committed the first of four turnovers when Joseph was intercepted at the Big Blue 28. Barton converted that into a 27-yard field goal.
On the next possession, the Big Blue tried to draw closer and end the half. Joseph was tackled for a loss on a first-down pass and fumbled at the Bluefield State 44.
Barton capitalized immediately.
With less than a minute remaining, quarterback Jaquan Lynch connected with Kameron Johnson on a 31-yard yard pass for the Bulldogs' third touchdown.
The Big Blue went into the locker room down 27-7.
Even then there was hope for a comeback. In Elizabeth City, the Big Blue had been down 21-0 in the first quarter and fought back to win.
However, Barton dispelled any of those quickly. The Bulldogs' Johnson caught the kickoff at the 10 and raced 90 yards for the touchdown. And the rout was on.
After Bluefield State's three-and-out, Barton took advantage of a short punt and scored their fifth touchdown on a nine-play, 40-yard drive. 41-7, Bulldogs.
The rest of the afternoon was all Barton. Three more touchdowns between two more Bluefield State fumbles.
And a reminder that, for all this Big Blue team has accomplished in this return season, it's still young and learning.
Reading between the lines.
Time of possession: Bluefield State, 23:08; Barton, 36:52.
Offensive plays: Bluefield State,49; Barton, 77.
First downs: Bluefield State, 10; Barton, 25.
Total offense: Bluefield State, 128 yards (88 rushing, 40 passing); Barton, 469 yards (361 rushing, 108 passing).
Turnovers: Bluefield State, 4 (1 interception, 3 fumbles); Barton, 0.
Penalties: Bluefield State, 5 for 30 yards; Barton, 7 for 75 yards.
Fourth Down Efficiency: Bluefield State, 0 of 0; Barton, 2 of 2.
 
Big Blue leaders.
OFFENSE
Passing:
J'rell Joseph, 7-13; 31 yards; 1 touchdown; 1 interception.
Rushing:
Markaden Bryant,  8-33 yards                                                                     
Kish Grandberry, 9-31 yards
J'Rell Joseph, 10-29 yards
Receiving:             
Perry Wilder, 2-17 yards
                     Reggie Redman, 2-12 yards
 
Punting:
                     Braxton VanScoy, 7-212 yards; 30.3 average
 
PAT:
                     Carson Crossman, 1-1
 
DEFENSE
Tackles:
Jhordan Innis, 4 solo, 11 assist
Xavier Curry, 2 solo, 7 assist
C.J. Waller , 7 solo, 2 assist
Darius Footes, 6 solo, 2 assist
Kenya Walker, 5 solo, 2 assist, 1.5 sack
Evan Robinson, 1 solo, 6 assist
Jamrarious McClellan, 3 solo, 3 assist
Shamaree Timmons, 1 assist, 0.5 sack