SALEM, Va. – In their first return trip to Salem Stadium since the 2001 Stagg Bowl, the Bridgewater Eagles (4-0) jumped out to a 21-10 first half lead before mounting a fourth quarter comeback to post a 32-23 victory over the Southern Virginia Knights.

Following a Southern Virginia (2-4) three-and-out, the Eagles struck first on a one-handed, two-yard touchdown catch from Tyler Beiler to put the Eagles ahead 7-0.

Southern Virginia's quick-strike offense needed less than two minutes to knot the game up at seven a piece on a Zach Garner quarterback keeper.

Bridgewater returned the favor 62 seconds later when a 43-yard scamper from senior running back Thomas Tate put the Eagles ahead 14-7.

The Eagles extended their lead to a 21-7 advantage when fellow senior Darrin McKenzie barreled in from 14 yards out with 10:21 left in the opening half.

Southern Virginia tallied the final score of the first stanza when a Tyler Bowen 30-yard field goal cut the halftime lead to 21-10.

After the halftime intermission, the Knights struck first on a Garner to Brick Wilce 64-yard strike to bridge the gap at a 21-17 tally.

Southern Virginia took the lead with 13:21 to play when Garner connected with Wilce again to put the Knights ahead 23-21.

Three minutes later, the Eagles struck back when Driskell connected with Beiler for the second time, this time a 39-yard strike to put Bridgewater ahead 29-23 following a two point conversion from the feet of backup quarterback Jacob Hutchinson.

Following a fourth down stop from the Bridgewater defense, the Eagles chewed up seven-plus minutes on the ensuing drive before a 22-yard Jordan Thacker field goal iced the deal to put Bridgewater up 32-23, which is the way the game would end.

Driskell was impressive yet again. The Ruther Glen, Va. native was 16-of-25 for 227 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Tate led the Eagles on the ground with nine carries for 65 yards and a score.

On the receiving end, Beiler yet again went over 100 yards with a seven catch, 122 yard performance.

Defensively, Victor Williams led the Eagles with eight tackles. The Eagles held their fourth straight opponent to under 100 yards on the ground.

For the Knights, Garner was an impressive 15-of-24 for 258 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Garner threw an interception at the end of the game to Bridgewater defensive back Terrell Corley, which effectively ended the contest.

Scott Andreasan led Southern Virginia on the ground with 11 carries for 32 yards.

On the receiving end, Wilce led the Knights with six catches for 127 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensively, Tommy Davidson and Matt Mellor led the Knights with 11 tackles apiece.

Bridgewater is back in action on October 9, when the Eagles host Hampden-Sydney for Homecoming.