UPIKE Athletics

BARBOURVILLE – Junior running back Amon Williams ran for a season-high 154 yards and two touchdowns on Saturday to lead the University of Pikeville to a 31-7 win over Union Commonwealth University.

It was Williams' second 100-yard performance of the season and the most yards he's had in a game this season and the ninth 100-yard game in his career.
The win moved the Bears to 7-2 on the season and 4-0 in the AAC. It kept them even with Reinhardt (Ga.) which improved to 4-0 on Saturday with a win over Rio Grande (Ohio).

It didn't take long for the Bears to find pay dirt. On the fourth play of the game, Amon Williams ran from midfield to put the Bears on the scoreboard 1:16 into the game.

Later in the quarter, it was Williams again, this time from the four, scoring to end a 12-play, 80-yard drive that took 5:00 off the scoreboard. Sophomore Isaac Smith hit both extra-points, putting the Bears in front 14-0 with 2:11 left in the opening quarter.

With 12:11 to play in the half, UPike pushed the lead to 21-0. This time it was Alex Hatton scoring from the two, and Smith's PAT was good.

Before the break, the Bulldogs made their way to the end zone. A 12-play, 75-yard drive ended on a four-yard pass from Cooper Wick to Selatian Straughter. Cole Raeuchle's kick made the score 21-7 with 4:57 left, and that was the halftime score.

After a scoreless third period, the Bears padded their lead in the fourth. The first score came on a 34-yard field goal by Smith with 14:06 left. It ended a 15-play drive that chewed 6:27 off the clock. It was his 10th made field goal in as many tries this season.

With 8:34 to play, Hatton hit Lyndon Smith with a 22-yard pass, giving the receiver from Danville his first collegiate score.

Hatton finished the game 16 of 23 for 136 yards in the air and with 37 yards rushing on seven carries. He contributed a touchdown both ways.

Smith caught three passes for 67 yards, while Deajuan McDougle led the team with six catches covering 43 yards.

Junior linebacker Najmir Bellegarde led the defensive unit with seven tackles, five of them solos. Junior Shajai Jackson followed with six, five of them solos, as well as a tackle for loss.

Sophomore Jackson Ovard had a nice day as well, recording an interception as well as a tackle for loss.

The Bears will play the final road game of the 2026 regular season next Saturday, traveling to Grayson to meet Kentucky Christian University. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.