NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Bridgewater College football team wrapped up non-conference play with a 26-23 loss to The Apprentice School on Saturday.

Malivai Barker's third quarter touchdown put Bridewater ahead 17-14 in the second half.

Unfortunately the lead lasted just 17 seconds, as Apprentice took a handoff 69 yards to make it 20-14 and give the Builders a lead they would not relinquish.

Apprentice opened up a 26-17 lead on a 58-yard touchdown catch by Ethan Bryce with 9:40 remaining in the contest. The Eagles had a golden chance to make it a one score game when they blocked the extra point and returned it to the Apprentice 27-yard line, but Josh Brooks was caught by the last defender on the runback.

The Eagles would score once more through Keith Jennings to make it 26-23, although the PAT attempt was blocked.

Barker rushed 23 times for 136 yards and two scores, and also led Bridgewater with five catches and 73 receiving yards.

Defensively, Kaiden Lewis made 10 tackles including three for loss. JP Utz also had three TFLs, while Davey Hardesty added two sacks.

Bridgewater fumbled the kickoff in the first quarter after the Builders had scored the game's opening touchdown, but the Eagles got a crucial fourth down stop to prevent the hosts from taking a quick two-score lead.

BC was driving late in the third quarter but Dakota Shrader was tackled just shy of the sticks after catching a third down pass, forcing the Eagles to punt.

Early in the fourth quarter the Eagles went for it on fourth down and Barker took the handoff to the left sideline and across midfield for the first.

Apprentice got 199 rushing yards and two scores from Hendrieth, while defensive tackle Ryan Ransom totaled 2.5 TFLs, seven tackles and a blocked kick.

Bridgewater (1-2) will now enter the bye week before opening ODAC play at home against Hampden-Sydney on October 1.