Ettrick, VA – Bluefield State University Football fell in their first road game of the 2022 season to Virginia State University 28-7 on Saturday.

Both teams got off to a slow start until Virginia State scored in the second quarter off of a 28-yard run. With Bluefield State failing to respond, Virginia State added another touchdown with 3:05 left in the first half.

Coming out of the half down 14-0, the Big Blue knew they had to be aggressive to set the tone for the second half. Despite quarterback Devan Freedland throwing an interception on the first play of the drive giving Virginia State possession on our own 44-yard line, the Big Blue defense stepped up, forcing the 3 and out. Which then allowed Bluefield State the positive momentum to set up a potential scoring drive.

Bluefield State received the punt deep in their own territory. Jahdir Loftland started the drive with a 4-yard gain up the middle to advance the Big Blue to their own 16-yard line, but Loftland wasn't done yet. After receiving the play, the offense lined up in shotgun formation: handing the ball off to Loftland on the left side, where he erupted for a 78-yard gain. Later in the drive, Virginia State forced a fumble at the 1-yard line but was recovered by Freeland, who marched it in for a touchdown. Braxton VanScoy completed the extra point to make it a one score game; however, Virginia State would go on to extend their lead 21-7. 

Virginia State opened the fourth adding another touchdown (28-7). The Big Blue weren't done fighting yet as they were looking for a last-minute score down the stretch. Wyatt Freeman showed up big in the final minutes, completing a 34-yard pass to Markaden Bryant, a 17-yard pass to Timothy Henderson and a 15-yard pass to Nakyin Harrell; however, the Big Blue weren't able to capitalize with a touchdown.

"We did not execute the way we needed to and are capable of. I have to do a better job of that" said Coach Tony Coaxum. "Virginia State did a great job controlling both lines of scrimmage and that was the number one reason they won the game. Hats off to them."

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