Jackson, Miss. – The Southern Virginia University football team (3-4, 2-2) earned a gritty 23-19 victory over Belhaven University (3-3, 2-2) Saturday afternoon, overcoming a 11-point deficit with a fourth-quarter comeback. The Knights finished with a season-high 411 yards of total offense to secure the program's first-ever win over the Blazers.

Belhaven controlled the early action, taking a 7-0 lead in the first quarter before pinning Southern Virginia deep in its own territory with a punt to the 1-yard line. The Knights were unable to escape the end zone, resulting in a safety. The Blazers added a 39-yard field goal to build a 12-0 advantage.

Southern Virginia responded through the air as Devin Watson connected with Jalen Lackey for a 57-yard touchdown. The Knights then used a trick play on the two-point conversion, with Watson finding Brandon Dupaix to cut the deficit to 12-8.

Belhaven looked to extend its lead with an 11-play drive, but Scott Pese blocked a 39-yard field goal attempt, which Dallin Heal recovered to halt the Blazers' momentum before halftime.

The Knights entered the break with just minus-2 rushing yards on nine attempts but looked to establish a stronger ground game in the second half.

Belhaven struck first after halftime, using two big passing plays to extend its lead to 19-8. Southern Virginia's defense answered with a key takeaway when Dominic Bosco forced a sack and fumble that Brady Freeman recovered. However, the Knights could not capitalize before the end of the third quarter.

With the game entering its final quarter, Watson helped move the Knights downfield before Rylen Balser took over and converted a crucial fourth-down run to keep the drive alive. Balser and Kendrick Worthington continued to move the ball before Worthington found the end zone. Dupaix added another successful two-point conversion to pull Southern Virginia within three at 19-16.

The Knights' defense forced a punt on Belhaven's next possession with a sack. Despite an interception that briefly threatened Southern Virginia's comeback hopes, the defense responded again as Cade Hanson forced a fumble and Freeman recovered it to give the Knights another opportunity.

Balser and Worthington moved the offense downfield, converting another fourth down with just over a minute remaining. A Belhaven pass interference penalty helped sustain the drive, setting the stage for a pivotal third-and-12. Balser delivered a 37-yard touchdown pass to Lackey with 40 seconds remaining, giving Southern Virginia its first lead of the game. Hudson Cummings converted the extra point despite a defensive touch on the kick, putting the Knights ahead 23-19.

Needing a touchdown to reclaim the lead, Belhaven attempted to respond in the closing seconds. Freeman and Bosco pressured the Blazers' quarterback on the final play, forcing an incomplete pass as time expired to seal the Knights' historic victory.

Watson led the passing attack, completing 25 of 36 attempts for 279 yards and one touchdown. Balser completed five of nine passes for one touchdown while adding 16 rushing yards on five attempts.

Worthington led the ground game with 46 yards and a touchdown. Lackey continued his outstanding season, recording 215 receiving yards and two touchdowns. His performance marked another program NCAA record for receiving yards, following his record-setting performance the previous week. Dupaix added five receptions for five yards, while Worthington contributed 25 receiving yards on five catches.

Defensively, Zehner Negahnquet, Lucas Martin and Knox Gallini each recorded seven tackles. Bosco finished with 2.5 sacks, while Hanson forced a fumble and Freeman recovered two fumbles.

Southern Virginia returns home for Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 31, when the Knights host North Carolina Wesleyan at 1 p.m. Southern Virginia won the teams' most recent meeting, 19-10, to even the all-time series at 4-4.