FAIRLEA- Bluefield’s offense found the end zone early and often Friday night, October 23, building a 47-12 halftime advantage on its way to a 61-12 victory over Greenbrier East.
Chaun Dowell opened the scoring with a 3-yard touchdown reception for the Beavers and an early 6-0 lead after the Spartans blocked the extra point.
Greenbrier East answered when Jeremiah Marshall, who has just recently began making a late season impact, hauled in a 60-yard touchdown pass from Sam Gabbert and tied the game at 6-6 after the Spartans had their extra point attempt blocked as well.
Bluefield moved back in front soon after on a 30-yard touchdown catch by Division-1 prospect Pax Calhoun from quarterback Max Simpson, also a D-1 prospect himself.
But as lopsided as the final score was, Greenbrier East did compete early. After the Beavers added that score, the Spartans cut into the margin with a highlight reel 61-yard touchdown pass from Gabbert to Braylen Godfrey. The two-point try failed, leaving Bluefield ahead 13-12.
Jaleel Jones’ 52-yard TD catch gave the Beavers a 19-12 lead and that score started what eventually was a 48-0 Beaver scoring run the rest of the way.
The Beavers continued to stretch the lead in the second quarter when Jeremiah Jones scored on touchdown runs of 10 and 7 yards, and Calhoun added a 43-yard touchdown reception from Simpson.
Bluefield recovered an East fumble after a catch, and Bralix Isabel intercepted a pass to help set up Jones’ second score. Chadney Stanback’s 37-yard touchdown catch with 1:35 left in the half made it 47-12.
Bluefield added 14 points after the break when the contest witched to 8-minute quarters while keeping Greenbrier East off the scoreboard in the second half.
The Beavers improved to 7-2, while the Spartans fell to 1-7.
Gabbert had arguably his best statistical game as a Spartan after going 12-19 for 176 yards and two scores. He threw just one pick. Keshawn Bland ran for 55 yards on eight carries and Godfrey hauled in five catches for 78 yards. Marshall had two for 67.
Simpson threw for 289 yards on 14-of-17 and five touchdowns. The Beavers had five receivers who had at least 45 yards.
The Spartans return home this Friday to host Ripley.
Stats courtesy of 103.1, Radio Greenbrier.
