By Kevin Eckleberry

kevin.eckleberry@lagrangenews.com

VALLEY, Ala. – They gave their home fans a nice parting gift.

After dropping their first four home games of the season, the Point University Skyhawks were back at Ram Stadium on Saturday afternoon with one final opportunity to get a victory on their own field.

With an unstoppable offense leading the way, Point made it happen.

Point compiled nearly 500 yards of offense on the way to a 40-17 victory over Ave Maria University (Fla.) on senior day.

The Skyhawks, who improved to 2-6, will play their final two games of the season on the road.

Before the game, Point’s 11 seniors and their families were recognized during a ceremony on the field.

Point then went out and blew Ave Maria away.

The Skyhawks scored three first-quarter touchdowns to build a 21-10 lead, and they were ahead 28-10 at the half.

The Skyhawks added two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter to put the finishing touches on their impressive performance.

Derek Bellard, Point’s talented junior quarterback from Lake Charles, La., had a big day.

Bellard completed 11-of-19 passes for 347 yards with four touchdowns, and he also had 41 rushing yards with a touchdown.

Charles Duckworth caught five of Ballard’s passes for 199 yards and three touchdowns, and Chase Turner had four receptions for 95 yards with a score.

MarQuez Jackson had 55 rushing yards on 13 attempts with a touchdown, and Michael Scott also scored on the ground.

The Skyhawks started the game in explosive fashion, with Bellard finding Ducksworth for a 79-yard touchdown pass on the first play from scrimmage.

After Ave Maria took a 10-7 lead, Point scored three touchdowns in less than eight minutes.

Point reclaimed the lead on a 17-yard scoring pass from Bellard to Turner, and the quarterback capped the first-quarter scoring with an 8-yard touchdown run.

Early in the second quarter, it was Ducksworth hauling in a 64-yard scoring pass from Bellard, and Point led 28-10.

With 7:40 left in the game, Ducksworth caught his third touchdown pass of the game, this one covering 20 yards.

Scott completing the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run with 3:53 to play.