Reinhardt heads to Point looking for a third straight win
Oct. 15—Last week, Reinhardt rediscovered its passing game in a 49-35 victory over Bluefield.
On Saturday, the No. 11 Eagles (4-2, 1-0) will look to make it three consecutive wins as their reinvigorated offense faces off against struggling Point (1-5, 1-1) in a Mid-South Appalachian Division game in Valley, Alabama.
Two straight games of being held to less than 100 passing yards did not carry into last week's game for Reinhardt quarterback Billy Hall. The senior completed 13 of 15 passes against Bluefield, accounting for 224 yards and four touchdowns through the air.
An encouraging sign was the connection between Hall and receiver Navarie Solomon. Hall's top target caught five passes for 113 yards and two touchdowns, marking one of his own better outings of the season.
The Reinhardt offense will have another prime opportunity to show its potential against a Point defense that has struggled mightily through most of the year. Through six games, the Skyhawks have allowed an average of 46.3 points per game, including a combined 131 points in season-opening losses to Football Championship Subdivision opponents Mercer and Morehead State.
Reinhardt, though, had some issues of its own on defense against Bluefield, surrendering 35 points to tie the season-worst total from its season-opening loss to Kennesaw State.
Despite the hefty point total, the Reinhardt defensive unit made some timely plays when needed. Defensive back Jacorris Lamar intercepted Bluefield quarterback Nathan Herstich twice, stalling a promising comeback attempt.
Point deploys a freshman quarterback, Payton Allen, who threw seven interceptions to only two touchdowns through the Skyhawks' first six games. Point also tends to mix in junior Brenton White, who has yet to convert a touchdown pass this season.
Like Hall, however, Allen has the ability to run the ball from his quarterback position, with 118 rushing yards and a score this season. Ahead of Allen, the Skyhawks' leading rusher is junior Sensir Carnes, who comes into Saturday's game with 153 yards and one touchdown.
The Point run game should not be too difficult for Reinhardt to stop. The Skyhawks average only 2.3 yards per carry, while opponents pick up 5.9 yards per run.
