Buena Vista, Va. – The Southern Virginia University football team earned a commanding 38-14 non-conference victory over the Keystone College Giants, giving Chris Ehorn Jr. his first win as head coach.
The Knights controlled the game on both sides of the ball, totaling 445 yards of offense while forcing three turnovers through the air. After a scoreless opening quarter, Southern Virginia broke through early in the second when Alex Mulauski connected on a 19-yard field goal to give the Knights a 3-0 lead.
The offense continued to build momentum as Devin Watson connected with Jalen Lackey for the first touchdown of the afternoon, extending the lead to 10-0.
With just two minutes remaining in the first half, Watson and Jax Vanchiere connected on a pair of passes that moved the Knights 46 yards down the field before Watson finished the drive himself with a touchdown run. The score sent Southern Virginia into halftime with a 17-0 advantage.
The Knights carried that momentum into the second half. Brandon Dupaix and Jamez Toller helped move the offense down the field on the ground before Watson found Diego Langberg in the end zone to push the lead to 24-0.
Keystone answered with a touchdown to cut into the deficit, but the Giants' momentum was quickly stopped when Nahmere Peace intercepted a pass. Watson then connected with Lackey for the duo's second touchdown of the afternoon, this time on a 26-yard strike, giving the Knights a 31-7 advantage.
Peace continued to make an impact moments later, returning his second interception of the game 82 yards for a touchdown to extend the Southern Virginia lead to 38-7 heading into the fourth quarter. Keystone added a late touchdown, but the Knights held on for the 38-14 victory.
Dupaix powered the Knights' rushing attack with 170 net yards on 35 carries, while Watson finished with 236 passing yards and three total touchdowns.
Defensively, Ethan Eby and Dominic Bosco led the Knights with eight tackles each and combined for two sacks. Peace also recorded eight tackles while making two interceptions, including his 82-yard pick-six.
Mulauski finished a perfect 5-for-5 on extra-point attempts while also converting his field goal attempt.
The Knights will now enter their bye week before opening USA South Conference play on the road against Greensboro College on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 6 p.m. Southern Virginia defeated the Pride 35-22 last season and will look to carry its momentum into conference play.
For the most up-to-date information and details on the team, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_ftbl on Instagram or X.
