GEORGETOWN, Ky. – The University of Pikeville football season began on Saturday night with a 34-17 loss to No. 9 Georgetown College.
 
The Bears battled back from a 17-0 first-quarter deficit to pull within 24-17 at the half, but was unable to find the end zone in the second half.
 
Starting quarterback Xavier Malone had a big game in his return to the program, completing 39 of 58 for 407 yards. He threw a touchdown and an interception. The 39 completions is second most in school history, while his 58 tosses equals the record for a Bears' signal caller.
 
Malone, who has returned as a graduate student, last started a game on Nov. 12, 2022, when the Bears closed the season with a 36-22 win at Faulkner.
 
Two Bears' receivers also had record-breaking performances. Sophomore Amon Williams had 16 receptions for 96 yards, while senior Jordan Williams hauled in 12 passes for 107 yards.
 
Entering the game, the school record for receptions in a game was 11, which had been done four times. The most recent was by De'Andre Stafford last season, also against Georgetown.
 
UPike's scoring started with 12:50 left in the first half when Amon Williams carried in from the two. Freshman Isaac Smith's kick was good.
 
Smith then nailed a 21-yard field goal with 1:56 left in the half. With six seconds left in the half, Malone hit senior receiver Brandon Newton for a 17-yard score. Smith's kick sent the teams to the half with the Tigers on top 24-17.
 
Amon Williams was the leading rusher for the Bears, picking up 82 yards on 20 carries and the score. He finished the game with 178 yards of total offense.
 
Sophomore linebacker Caleb Anderson led the Bears with eight tackles, while freshman cornerback Damion Watts followed with seven.
 
Sophomore linebacker Levi Evans had three tackles for loss on the night. Senior cornerback Marshawn Boyden recorded an interception.
 
UPike will have next week off before traveling to No. 20 Campbellsville on September 13. Opening kick is scheduled for 7 p.m.