Reinhardt Eagles (3-0) vs Pikeville Bears (2-2)
Ken White Field Waleska, Ga
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Kickoff at 12:00p.m. EST
Written by: Malcolm Anderson and Lauren Mullinax
For the first time in school history Reinhardt University has started the season a perfect 3-0. After a huge comeback win against Georgetown last week, #19 Reinhardt looks to keep their undefeated season alive as they take on the University of Pikeville this weekend at home.
When the Eagles Have the Ball
Reinhardt’s offense has already proven itself this season, averaging fifty-three points through their first three contests. The Eagles will look to continue their success through the air and on the ground in the game against Pikeville. Niagel Curtis, L.J. Stegall, and Sam Jones will be the ones to watch on the rush attack for Reinhardt. With the three running backs sharing time, they all are huge threats when the ball is in their hands. Curtis leads the pack, averaging 52.3 yards a game while Stegall and Jones are averaging 49.7 and 51.7, respectively. Between the three star running backs, they have combined for seven out of the fourteen rushing touchdowns on the season. Through the air, Johnathon Chamblee and Ryan Thompson will continue to share the quarterback position as they have the past three games. Chamblee and Thompson have combined for 726 yards on the season while also throwing for three touchdowns each.
The Bears on defense are led by their linebackers Camron Parsley, Arthur Williams, and Tanner Fiser. Parsley and Williams are the key players who each have a team high of 29 tackles and 2 sacks. Parsley is a 6’2” 216 lb. redshirt freshman linebacker while Williams is a senior linebacker standing at 5’8” and weighing 218. Tanner Fiser, another linebacker, is third on the team with 25 tackles. The Bears allow 22.5 points per game and have surrendered a total of 1,105 yards in their first 4 games. Aside from the record of 2-2, the Bears have a tough defense looking to turn their season around in Waleska.
When the Bears Have the Ball
As a unit, Pikeville’s offense averages 27 points per game on 374.5 yards with a fairly balanced rushing and passing attack. The Bears will attack Reinhardt with multiple offensive formations but will offer a steady diet of an option-based ground attack, the Bears are led in rushing by sophomore Quan Weaver, a 5’11” 200 lb. transfer from Kentucky State who averages 4.7 yards per carry with a total of 464 on the year. Quarterback Sani Warren, the sophomore leader of the Bear’s offense, has thrown 4 touchdowns with a total of 742 passing yards on just 100 attempts. Warren uses a 3-headed receiving corps monster led by Elijah Bell who has 180 yards on the year. Quan Weaver is second with 115 and Jamon Langford pulls up the rear with 113 yards even though he leads the team in receptions with 9.
Reinhardt’s defense has been the key to the Eagles success, allowing just forty-nine points total on the season. Not only has the Eagle’s defense been able to hold their opponents to an average of sixteen points, but they have also have forced thirteen turnovers. Pikeville’s offensive line will have to be strong against the powerful defensive rush attack that has helped Reinhardt be so successful. With sophomore linebacker Jacob Gross leading the defense with twenty-seven tackles, the Eagles’ defense looks to continue its success and help Reinhardt remain undefeated.
Keys to the Game
- Reinhardt will need to keep the same defensive pressure the front seven has been applying the past three games.
- Reinhardt will need to limit turnovers after committing three turnovers in its last game against Georgetown that almost cost them the game.
Prediction
We predict that Reinhardt will continue their win streak with a win against Pikeville this weekend.
Fun Fact
Despite it being Reinhardt’s third season of existence, this will be the first time the Eagles and the University of Pikeville will meet on the football field.
Kickoff is set for 12:00pm at Ken White Field on Saturday, September 26,2015.
