MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Faulkner used a suffocating defense to completely dismantle Belhaven here Saturday, as the fourth-ranked Eagles built a huge halftime lead and coasted to a 55-14 victory over the Blazers in a Mid-South Conference West Division showdown at Billy D. Hilyer Stadium.

The Eagles had their worst statistical offensive game of the season, amassing only 297 total yards. The defense did its part to pick up the slack, however, forcing seven turnovers and scoring a pair of touchdowns on the day. The Blazers' much-heralded "Air Raid" offense managed just 233 yards.

The win allowed the Eagles (8-1 overall, 4-0 MSC West) to remain alone atop the MSC West Division standings heading into the final two weeks of the regular season. Belhaven fell to 2-7 overall and 0-4 in the MSC West.

Defensive backs Delvin Ervin and Ladarian Smiley both returned fumbles for touchdowns, and Marte Sears had two more interceptions as the Faulkner defense flexed its muscles all afternoon. Joe Jones added two rushing touchdowns, and Raquis Hale and Truman Franklin also scored on the ground for the Eagles. Quarterback Terrell Robinson passed to Rob Lockhart for yet another score, yet the most electrifying touchdown of the day came on the second half kickoff. Gabe Chambers, after having the kick bound off his shoulder pad and bounce nine yards deep into the end zone, picked the ball up and weaved his way through the Belhaven coverage 109 yards for a touchdown. Officially just a 100-yard return, the score gave Faulkner a 48-0 lead, and head coach Charlie Boren dialed it back the rest of the way with reserves as the Eagles won their third straight.

Brian Ensminger tossed a pair of second-half touchdown passes for the Blazers.

Faulkner travels to Campbellsville, Ky., next Saturday afternoon to take on the MSC West Division rival Tigers. The game kicks off at 12:30 central time.