Athens, WV – The Big Blue used a 16-point second quarter to push past Concord, 22-13, at Callaghan Stadium on Saturday to improve to 1-1 on the season.

The Big Blue defense played a pivotal role, forcing three key interceptions, including a momentum-shifting 30-yard pick-six by Anthony Fisher early in the second quarter. This critical play turned the tide after Concord had took the early 7-0 lead.

Christian Solino had a standout performance at QB, throwing for 282 yards and a touchdown on 21-of-26 passing. In the second quarter, Solino found Zuriel Ebron deep for a 71-yard touchdown past giving the Big Blue the 13-7 lead.

The defensive unit anchored the victory with a strong showing, led by Fisher's two interceptions and solid tackling from Nolan Meehleib, who finished with eight tackles. Marcus Young Jr. also contributed with a key interception. The defense applied pressure throughout, sacking Concord quarterback Blayne Ferguson twice and holding the Mountain Lions to just one offensive touchdown.

Despite trailing 7-0 early, Bluefield State stormed back in the second quarter, scoring 16 unanswered points. Fisher's interception return was quickly followed by Ebron's long touchdown reception, and kicker Danny Dales added a 34-yard field goal to give Bluefield State a 16-7 advantage heading into halftime.
Concord closed the gap with a field goal in the third quarter, but Dales kept the Big Blue in control with two more field goals in the fourth, extending the lead to 22-13.

Bluefield State's offense displayed a balanced attack, with Aidan Lee and Ramon Brown combining for 90 rushing yards, while receivers Trey Lyles and Jordan Mason made key contributions through the air.

"Last week the effort was there, the want to was there but the focus and execution wasn't," said beach coach Davon Morgan.  "This week we did better at executing and increasing our focus."

Final Score: Bluefield State 23, Concord University 13
Next Game: Bluefield State at Emory & Henry, September 14th at 1 p.m.