MARSHALL, Texas – Starting off 2-0 for the second year in a row, the East Texas Baptist University football team will have their home opener against Belhaven University on Saturday at Ornelas Stadium. ETBU will try and stay perfect in the American Southwest Conference after their 28-10 win over Southwestern University last Saturday.
 
Head coach Scott Highsmith talked about the win in his press conference. "Well it was a gratifying win," said Coach Highsmith. "I thought it was a complete win and our defense played pretty well. I thought our offense did what we had to do. Our kicking game was sound. The kids had a great attitude. There's a great brotherhood forming. I think we have great chemistry. We're on the right track right now."
 
ETBU's defense was the key in the win over Southwestern. Leading the bunch was Caleb Taylor with total tackles and two forced fumbles as he earned the ASC Defensive Player of the Week honors. This is the second straight week an ETBU defensive player was honored as Ty Parsons, who had 13 total tackles against Southwestern Assemblies of God was last week's honoree.
 
On offense, Dru Smith went 26-of-42 with 333 passing yards and three touchdowns. Two of the touchdowns went to Xavier Grey, who had four receptions for 133 yards. Aside from a touchdown reception from Smith, Dominic Haggerty was ETBU's top rusher with 88 yards on 15 carries. Terance Hargest picked up his first touchdown of the season.
 
Head coach Scott Highsmith talked about the win in his press conference. "Well it was a gratifying win," said Coach Highsmith. "I thought it was a complete win and our defense played pretty well. I thought our offense did what we had to do. Our kicking game was sound. The kids had a great attitude. There's a great brotherhood forming. I think we have great chemistry. We're on the right track right now."
 
With the Pirates in the rearview mirror, ETBU now turns their attention to their home opener against the Blazers of Belhaven. Last season saw ETBU win a wild 60-47 game in Jackson, Mississippi, to improve their record to 4-0. Smith finished with four passing touchdowns and ran in for two more as well.
 
Belhaven enters the game with a 1-1 record and 0-1 in the ASC. This comes after they were shutout 37-0 to Texas Lutheran last week. As a team, the Blazers are averaging 21 points per game while giving up 37 points per game. Quarterback Hunter McEachern leads the team with 573 passing yards and four touchdowns. Marquis Hedge is the lead rusher with 38 yards gained after two carries while wide receivers Nolan Satcher (12 catches, 126 yds) and Jacob McNeil (11 catches, 112 yards) have been the primary targets with 10-plus catches for over 100 yards so far.
 
Although ETBU is currently 2-0 all-time against Belhaven, Coach Highsmith fully expects the Blazers to give a tough game with their Air Raid offense, used by former college roommate and current Belhaven head coach Hal Mumme. "Of course you know Hal Mumme is the innovator of the Air Raid Offense," said Coach Highsmith. "They are going to throw the football. They're very passionate about what they do. They're very creative. He's a great coach. He stretches you to the point where you have to prepare for a lot of things whether it's razzle-dazzle or just strong fundamental throwing the football. Or coming up with a great run play and run scheme. He makes you coach and forces you to be a better person and a better coach."
 
This game will also be the Gold Rush game, where ETBU will be raising funds to support Childhood Cancer. T-shirts will be sold for $15. The game kicks off at 7:00 p.m.