ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Buena Vista football team put on a show for the fans on Thursday night to open the 2019 campaign by jumping out to a quick 20-0 first quarter lead and never looking back, rolling to a 51-7 victory at Hamline University at Klas Field.

BVU chalked up three passing, four rushing and a special teams touchdown in the contest to account for its highest point total since putting up 55 points against Waldorf back in 2014.

The Beaver defense set the tone from the opening kick, forcing the Pipers to a three-and-out on the game's opening possession.  That gave the offense a short field to work with and it wasted little time, getting a quick 39-yard strike to Adrian Griffin down to the one-yard line where he would then take the hand-off on the very next game for his first career score and a 6-0 BVU lead.

That was just the start of a successful opening night, as BVU would go onto block a punt that was recovered at the endzone before Derien Beauregard intercepted a pass that set up a 12-yard touchdown run by Stephen Grimm on the very next play to put the Beavers up 20-0 midway through the first quarter.

BVU scored touchdowns on five of its first seven possessions and led 32-0 at the break.  

Grimm found the endzone for the second time on the first drive of the second half when he ran it in from five yards out to cap a 16-play, 75-yard drive that ate up over eight minutes.  BVU then got the ball back on downs and would score yet again with Eric Pacheco hauling in one of his five catches on the night for a 26-yard score.  He finished with 105 yards and two touchdowns and now has 17 career touchdowns which moves him within one TD grab of tying Gunner Gilland for fourth on the program's all-time career list.

Reyes Lara III had a solid debut by passing for 161 yards and a pair of scores while completing 7-of-14 attempts.  Dylan Laughlin shared time under center and completed 10-of-15 attempts for 91 yards and one touchdown.

Grimm chalked up a team-leading 81 yards on the ground with 12 carries as four different players rushed for at least 40 yards.  The team rushed for 269 yards overall and outgained the Pipers in total offense, 552 to 32.

"Our running backs and offensive line performed very well in establishing the run game," said head coach Grant Mollring. "Our young corps of backs ran very well and showed signs of good things to come. It's also a huge benefit to have Eric Pacheco on our team, he is a tough matchup for the opposition." 

Tanner Frost led a host of players on defense with four tackles, including 1.5 sacks.  Ali Taylor also intercepted a pass as BVU tallied six total sacks in the contest.

"I was pleased with the way we got off to a good start in all three phases," added Mollring. "I saw the right focus and preparation with this group and they played with aggression that Hamline wasn't able to match.  Defensively, we were able to out pressure on their quarterback and effectively shut down their run game. Tanner Frost, Reed Kruse, and Michael Herwig led our linebacking corps to a good night."

Buena Vista (1-0) will look to keep that momentum going as it prepares for its home opener on Saturday, September 14 against Concordia (Neb.).  Kick-off inside of J. Leslie Rollins Stadium is set for 6:00 p.m.  It's also Community Night and free admission will be granted to all fans as a way to thank the community for all of the support throughout the year.