UPIKE Athletics

 
GRAYSON, Ky. – The University of Pikeville ran its win streak to six and set the stage for a conference championship showdown with a 49-20 win over Kentucky Christian University on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Bears will host Reinhardt (Ga.) University next Saturday. Both teams will enter 5-0 in conference play with the winner taking the outright championship and the league's automatic bid into the NAIA football championship series.
 
UPike will enter the game at 8-2, while the Eagles are 6-4.
 
On Saturday, the Bears rushed for 244 yards and threw three touchdown passes while the defenses provided two scores on interception returns.
 
The win was the 35^th in the UPike career of Coach Corey Fipps, moving him into sole possession of the most coaching wins in school history. Ironically, it came at KCU, where he is also the school's winningest coach.
 
Junior quarterback Alex Henson threw for 166 yards and three touchdowns. He hit junior tailback Amon Williams for a 14-yard score to get scoring started. Williams had two catches for 23 yards and led the Bears with 136 yards rushing on the day.
 
It was his third 100-yard game of the season.
 
He later found Lyndon Smith from 31 yards out and Miguel Hernandez for a 22-yard score.
 
The lone score from the rushing game wrapped up scoring in the game, coming on an 8-yard carry by junior running back Dakota Foster.
 
Junior defensive back Shajai Jackson provided some offense by returning a first-quarter interception 89 yards for a touchdown. It was the third longest interception and pick returned for a score in school history.
 
Junior linebacker Najmir Bellegarde ended the first half with a 60-yard interception for a touchdown to send the teams to the half with the Bears on top 34-6. It was Bellegarde's first career score.
 
The Dallas, Ga., native also had six tackles and a quarterback hurry.
 
Sophomore kicker Isaac Smith hit two field goals, connecting from 24 and 21 yards. He was also 6 of 6 on extra-point kicks.  
 
Senior receiver Deajuan McDougle led the Bears with four catches covering 43 yards.
 
Junior defensive end Jaden Mosley led the Bears with seven tackles. He had two tackles for loss and a sack. Freshman linebacker Dallas Kelly joined Bellegarde with six tackles. He had five solos and a tackle for loss.
 
Saturday's game against Reinhardt will begin at 3 p.m. at the W.C. Hambley Athletics Complex and will be preceded by the senior day ceremony.