ELIZABETH CITY, NC - This was a game Bluefield State had no business winning. A brand-new team, the

College's first in 41 years. Full of freshmen. Coming off a tough, first-game home

loss. On the road against an experienced team. They were underdogs coming in.

And it only got worse. Fast.

On Bluefield State's opening series, a quick three-and-out led to the first punt of the game. And a touchdown for the Vikings. Josiah Hayes returned a short kick 36 yards for the score. The game was than less than four minutes old.

After two more three-and-outs, the Vikings marched 65 yards for another touchdown, scoring on a seven-yard pass from De'Abrie Smith to Zion Riddick. 14-0 Elizabeth City. Six minutes into the game.

Two minutes later, Kaezahn Johnson scooped up a fumble and ran it 25 yards for the Vikings' third touchdown.

The quarter ended mercifully without any more scoring from the home team.

Then something happened.

The Big Blue offense found itself. A team that had been left for dead less than a quarter into the game came alive.

Starting at its own 35, Bluefield State marched 65 yards in a little more than four minutes and scored on a 16-yard pass from J'rell Joseph to Perry Wilder III early in the second quarter. Carson Crossman connected for the point after. 21-7, Elizabeth City.

With five minutes left in the Joseph and Wilder connected again, this time on a electrifying 75-yard pass. Crossman connected and the Vikings lead was down to a touchdown.

Then, with :27 left in the half, Joseph connected a third time, this time a 15-yard pass to Berkarion Black. Crossman connected and, just like that, it was a new ball game, 21-21, going into the locker room.

The third quarter was fairly quiet until the five-minute mark when the Vikings' Smith connected with Brandon Joyner on an 80-yard pass that put Elizabeth City ahead. However, Erick Mejia blocked the point after kick, and the Vikings lead stayed at 27-21.

The Big Blue's comeback was complete when they took the lead for the first time at the 10:42 mark of the fourth quarter. Markaden Bryant punched it in from the one-yard line. Crossman connected a fourth time. 28-27, Bluefield State.

But they weren't done.

Joseph connected for his fourth touchdown pass of the afternoon, his second to Black, from eight yards out with 5:50 remaining. Crossman made good a fifth time. And now the Big Blue held an eight-point lead, 35-27.

The Vikings, too, weren't done.

They took the kickoff and drove to the Big Blue five-yard line before stellar defensive stops turned the ball over on downs.

But the Big Blue couldn't run out the clock and were forced to punt from their endzone. It shanked and the Vikings got another shot to tie the game from the Bluefield State 16-yard line.

However, a critical interception gave the ball back to the Big Blue again. And again, they couldn't run out the clock.

Another punt pushed the Vikings back to their own 15 with :21 left. Still, they managed to get to the Big Blue 41 before time ran out.

It was a thrilling finish to a wildly unpredictable, historic day.

Big Blue's first win of the season.

Tony Coaxum's first win as a head coach.

A win for a college tasting victory for the first time in 41 years.

It was sweet.

Lines tell the story.

Elizabeth City won one quarter. Bluefield State dominated the rest of the game.

Time of possession: Bluefield State, 37:05; Elizabeth City, 22:55.

Offensive plays: Bluefield State, 83; Elizabeth City, 58.

First downs: Bluefield State, 23 (including four on penalties); Elizabeth City, 17.

Total offense: Bluefield State, 347 yards (115 rushing, 232 passing); Elizabeth City, 385 yards (126 rushing, 259 passing).

Turnovers: Bluefield State, 1 (Fumble); Elizabeth City, 3 (Interceptions).

Penalties: Bluefield State, 5 for 44 yards; Elizabeth City, 13 for 137 yards.

Red Zone Scoring: Bluefield State, 4 of 5; Elizabeth City, 1 of 4.

Big Blue leaders.

OFFENSE

Passing:

J'rell Joseph, 19-35; 232 yards; four touchdowns; 0 interceptions.

Rushing:

                     Markaden Bryant, 11-50 yards; 1 touchdown

                     J'rell Joseph, 12-38 yards

                     Kish Grandberry, 16-29 yards

Receiving:

                     Perry Wilder, 5-87 yards, 2 touchdowns

                     Kenta Jefferson, 5-60 yards

                     Berkarion Black, 3-35 yards, 2 touchdowns

Punting:

                     Braxton Vascoy, 8-262 yards; 32.8 average; long – 67 yards

PAT:

                     Carson Crossman, 5-5

DEFENSE

Tackles:

                     Xavier Curry, 7 solo, 2 assists, 0.5 sacks

                     Jhordan Inniss, 9 solo

                     Diego Bledsoe-Clark, 3 solo, 1 assist, 0.5 sacks

                     Vernon Redd, 3 solo, 1 assist

Interceptions:

                     Xavier Curry

                      Eshawn Carter

                     Justin McElveen