LAKELAND, Fla. — With the offense putting up record numbers in the first two games, the Fire defense announced its presence with authority in the third game.
The SEU defense held Bluefield to just 178 yards on 66 plays in a 46-21 win Saturday at Victory Field.
No. 10 Southeastern (3-0) also recorded six sacks, forced two fumbles, and limited the Rams to just 14 first downs.
“It’s always important for our defense to come up big and score for us,” said SEU coach Keith Barefield. “When (Bluefield) tried to get on track and get going in the first quarter, we wouldn’t let them.”
The offense got things started 56 seconds into the game when Jonathan Pearce threw the first of his three touchdown passes to LaQuivionte Gonzalez on a 41-yard strike down the right sideline. Pearce also found Gonzalez on an 11-yard hookup with 2:54 left in the first, and LaDarrius Thomas on a 25-yard strike with 4:34 left in the second.
“The first quarter was very important, and I was proud of our guys with the effort that we had,” said Barefield. “From a coach’s standpoint, I thought we looked rusty and like a team that hadn’t played in two weeks.”
Pearce finished the game 11-of-21 passing for 163 yards.
Jarrell Reynolds paced the run game with a season-high 20 carries for 128 yards, finding the end zone twice from two and seven yards out.
Following the second touchdown by Gonzalez, the defense got the Fire on the board when Dance Estes broke up a play in the backfield, knocking the ball loose. Safety James Swain scooped it up and raced 30 yard to give the Fire a 27-0 lead with 2:54 left in the first.
Bluefield (1-2) was able to answer with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Walter Harold to Rashad Butler. Butler was responsible for all three Bluefield touchdowns.
Simmian Mitchell picked up a rushing touchdown, racing three yards for a score, capping off a 16-play, 68-yard drive. Mitchell rushed for 44 yards on seven carries.
Josh Schulte led the defense with 10 tackles, making three for loss, forcing a fumble, and recording a sack. Will Tillo was second with eight tackles, which included the 200th of his career.
The Fire return to action next Saturday at No. 6 Lindsey Wilson.