Montgomery, Ala. - The University of Pikeville Bears wrapped up the 2022 season with a gritty 36-22 win over Faulkner University.
How It Went Down:
The Bears offense got off to a rough start with three turnovers and a turnover on downs on their first four possessions. One of those turnovers was an interception returned 75 yards to give the Eagles a 7-0 lead early in the second quarter. Despite the early ball security issues, Coach Chris Elliott's defense picked up the offense by forcing a few three-and-outs and a momentum-changing interception early in the second quarter. Sophomore linebacker Travion Pope intercepted a pass over the middle and returned it to the Faulkner 15 yard-line. Bears quarterback Lee Kirkland connected with Derrick Griffith for six and the Bears tied the game at seven midway through the second.
After the defense forced a three-and-out on the ensuing Faulkner possession, the offense went to work. The Bears started the drive inside Eagle territory and went 37 yards in 11 plays before senior Jayden Neace hit paydirt from two yards out with 2:10 left in the half. Neace's score was made possible by a key fourth down conversion by Dasani Tate, gaining 11 yards on a fourth and ten from the Faulkner 24 yard-line.
The Eagles got a first down on their next possession before the Bears defense took over. The Bears recorded a sack on first down then stuffed the Eagles for a two yard gain on second down. On third down and 12, senior cornerback Timothy Butler picked off a pass and took it to the house with 0:11 left in the half to give UPIKE a 21-7 lead they would take into the half.
The second half started similar to the way the first one ended, with a Timothy Butler interception. Butler picked off a pass inside the UPIKE 20 yard line, taking away a scoring opportunity. After the Bears offense punted on their next possession, the Eagles drove the ball all the way to UPIKE 2 yard-line. Coach Elliott's squad stifled the Eagles and forced a field goal to cut the lead to 21-10.
The Eagles would score touchdowns on their next two possessions. Faulkner held a narrow 22-21 lead after the Bears turned away two two-point conversion attempts after both scores. Following a long touchdown drive by Faulker, Lee Kirkland led the Bears on a nine play, 75-yard drive to put the Bears back in front.
The drive was set up by a 34-yard catch-and-run from Derrick Griffith on fourth down and four to set up the Bears in the red zone. Three plays later, Rashad Brown hauled in a touchdown pass from 18 yards out to take the lead. The Bears converted on the 2-point conversion and led 29-22 with 4:39 remaining in the game.
Faulker went to work on their next possession and drove into UPIKE territory. The Eagles got all the way to the UPIKE 34, then the defense hunkered down. The Bears turned away the Eagles on a fourth and seven to give the ball back to the Bears with 1:49 left in the fourth.
The Bears took over at their own 34 yard-line with a chance to put the game away. Alex Sanders rushed for four yards on first down and three yards on second, setting up a game-deciding third-and-three from the UPIKE 41. On third down and three, Alex Sanders called game. The senior from Hazlehurst, Georgia took it 59 yards to the house to put the game out of reach. Obie Wilson intercepted a pass on Faulkner's first play of the next drive and the Bears ran out the clock for their sixth victory of the season.
UPIKE Stat Leaders:
Lee Kirkland stepped in at quarterback for the Bears and was 22-40 for 283 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions on the day. Alex Sanders rushed for 113 yards and a score and also had eight receptions for 84 yards.
Brett Coleman and Obie Wilson had seven total tackles each on defense. Wilson also had a game-sealing interception in the fourth quarter. Timothy Butler, however, stole the show with two interceptions (one for a touchdown), four tackles and a tackle-for-loss.
What This Win Means:
Today's win solidifies the Bears finish into the top half of the Mid-South Conference for the first time since 2018. It is also the first time since the aforementioned 2018 season that the Bears finish with a winning record at 6-4 (5-3 MSC). During the second half of the season the Bears were road warriors, winning their final three games away from Pikeville. UPIKE's three road wins are the most they had since the 2019 season.
Offseason And The AAC:
UPIKE closes out their final season in the Mid-South Conference on a high note. Coach Corey Fipps looks to build on the momentum his program has built heading into 2023 when the Bears join the AAC.
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