BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Birmingham-Southern football team rang in their first home win of the season after defeating NAIA opponent, Point University during their Pediatric Cancer Awareness game. 

Birmingham-Southern would start on defense first after winning the coin toss and deferring their choice to the second half. The Panthers forced a quick three-and-out and would get the ball starting their drive at their own 37-yard line. The first drive saw a heavy dose of Jon Lewis. Lewis rushed five times on the opening drive, that was ultimately capped off by a nine-yard touchdown pass to from Matt McClary to Dayton Green. 

Another quick three-and-out on the succeeding Point possession gave the Panthers the ball right back. BSC marched down the field and found the endzone again. Jon Lewis pushed through the line to find the endzone from a yard out to put the Panthers up 14-0. Point responded with a touchdown drive of their own with a quick strike. On the third play of the drive the Skyhawks connected for a 67-yard touchdown pass to pull withing seven.

BSC bounced back and extended their lead in the second quarter with another Jon Lewis touchdown run, this time from four yards out. After a few traded possessions Point got on the scoreboard again with another touchdown with a two-yard touchdown run to cut the lead back to seven. Just before the half expired Zach Ford made a 22-yard field goal to put the Panther up 10 as they went into halftime.

Out of halftime the BSC defense made the adjustments they needed and held the Skyhawks scoreless. Helping them along the way was special teams who blocked two field goals. The first was blocked by Jon Lewis, Asante Ferrell scoped up the ball and returned it 26 yards to set the Panther offense up in Point territory. The second kick was blocked by Jimmy Anderson, and Ferrell scooped up the loose ball again to help preserve the second half shutout. 

The only score in the third quarter was a 42-yard field goal by Zach Ford to put the Panthers up 13 after three quarter of play. BSC's firs possession in the fourth quarter ended in a touchdown to ice the game after Jon Lewis ran in for his third touchdown of the game. The Panthers held on and won the game 34-14.

Records
Birmingham-Southern 2-1, Point University 0-5

Up next
The Panthers will stay at home as they host Berry College for their first SAA Conference game of the season. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at General Krulak Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 1.