Newberry Beats Catawba 33-14

Catawba could never fully take the momentum away from Newberry in a 33-14 loss.

The Tribe once led the second quarter 8-7, but an attempted extra point by freshman Thomas Trexler was blocked by Newberry. It was returned for a two-point score, which put Newberry ahead 10-9. That was the theme of the loss Saturday night for the once-nationally ranked Indians. Great plays were only followed by a lack of execution and turnovers. Catawba suffered an interception on its first play of the game. Senior linebacker Will Newell of Newberry picked off his first pass in his illustrious collegiate career. Although Newberry did not score on the drive, that play really set the tone for the rest of the game. If something could go wrong, it did for Catawba. In a game reminiscent of the Indians' playoff performance against Valdosta State last year, the Tribe had a punt blocked, two extra points blocked, a missed field goal, one extra point blocked was returned for a score, three interceptions, and a fumble.

Catawba's Howard Williamson did not play one snap in the second half, which left Brian Terwilliger and Patrick Dennis to finish out the game.

Freshman middle linebacker Lakeem Perry finished the contest with a game-high 17 tackles.

Melquan Fair and Julian Hartsell shared a sack in the loss at Newberry, while freshman cornerback Bryant Vennable downed a first quarter punt inside the 5-yard line.

Nationally ranked Carson-Newman visits Catawba this Saturday night at 7 PM.