Gameweek vs. Southern Virginia
Game Notes
BRIDGEWATER, Va. – On Thursday night, the
Bridgewater Eagles will do battle with the Southern Virginia
Knights at 7:30 p.m. inside the confines of Salem Stadium as the
Eagles close out their 2010 non-conference schedule.
Bridgewater has a short week of preparation for the Knights
following their 35-24 triumph on Saturday afternoon against the
Panthers of Ferrum College.
On Saturday, Bridgewater's offense fired on all cylinders, while
the defense continued to impress as the Eagles outmanned Ferrum in
all facets of the games.
The Eagles held Ferrum to just 66 yards on the ground, its
lowest rushing output since 2002, and the third straight game that
the Bridgewater defense held its opponent to under 100 yards
rushing.
On the flip side, Bridgewater's passing offense, led by senior
quarterback Hagan Driskell
(Ruther Glen, Va./Caroline), dictated the game, with 299 total
yards through the air. Of the 299 yards, 212 went to ODAC Offensive
Player of the Week Tyler Beiler
(Ronks, Pa./Conestoga Valley) pushing the senior wide receiver to
the top of the career receiving record books at Bridgewater.
On the ground, the Eagles got an exceptional performance from
running back Thomas Tate
(Staunton, Va./Robert E. Lee). Tate rushed for 112 yards, marking
the first time on the season that the Staunton, Va. native
surpassed the 100-yard mark. Tate needs just two rushing
touchdowns to crack the career top 10 in rushing touchdowns.
Defensively, the Eagles are led by senior linebacker T.J.
Montague (Reston, Va./South Lakes). Montague is averaging eight
tackles per game in Bridgewater's three wins.
Things have been slightly rougher for the Knights, who enter the
game fresh off of a 69-7 loss at the hands of Brevard.
Southern Virginia's two wins have come by an average of
22-and-a-half points, but their losses have been equally as
lopsided, coming by an average of 51 points.
Running back Steven Scott leads the Knights on the ground with
232 yards.
Through the air, quarterback Zach Garner is 49-of-96 for 468
yards and five touchdowns. Garner has also tossed four
interceptions on the year.
On the receiving end, tight end Ryan McGinn is the leading
receiver with 14 grabs for 273 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Defensively, linebacker Matt Mellor leads the way for the
Knights with a team-high 44 tackles. Teammate Tommy Davidson leads
the way with seven sacks.
Bridgewater and Southern Virginia have played one similar
opponent, last week's opponent for the Eagles, Ferrum. Southern
Virginia spoiled Ferrum's Family Weekend, going away from Ferrum
with a 20-17 victory.
Currently, the Eagles are on a four-game winning streak, marking
the first time since 2007 that Bridgewater has ridden a four-game
winning streak into a game.
Bridgewater owns a 5-11 record all-time against NAIA opponents,
including a 2-3 mark against NAIA schools from the state of
Virginia.
All profits from the Thursday night game will benefit Feeding
America of Southwest Virginia, formerly known as the Second Harvest
of Southwest Virginia.
Tickets will be available at the gate for the Thursday night
showdown in Salem. Ticket prices are six dollars for adults and
three dollars for children. Due to the game being at a neutral
site, Bridgewater Eagle Club membership passes will not be honored
at the gate and there will be no pregame Eagle Club
festivities.
For fans who are unable to make it to Salem, the game will be
streamed online at 961litefm.com and over the airwaves at 96.1 on
your FM dial in the Shenandoah Valley.
