D2Football.com South Atlantic Conference Week Nine Preview

Last week solidified the thought of this conference being competitive from top to bottom.

Carson-Newman survives a 17-13 scare on the road against Lenoir-Rhyne?

Brevard holds Mars Hill's sensational running back Jonas Randolph to only 59 yards on 18 carries?

Catawba records ten sacks against Tusculum?

Newberry's Brandon Gantt throws for a career-high 336 yards in a victory at Wingate?

Those are just a few examples of how the South Atlantic Conference is transforming. The gap between all schools is narrowing and it is happening at an accelerated rate.

Regional Rankings for Week 9

1. North Alabama (8-0, 8-0)
2. Albany State (7-0, 7-0)
3. Carson-Newman (6-2, 5-2)
4. Mars Hill (5-2, 5-1)
5. UNC-Pembroke (6-1, 5-1)
6. West Alabama (5-3, 4-2)
7. Fort Valley (5-3, 4-2)
8. Morehouse (5-2, 5-2)
9. Arkansas Tech (5-2, 5-2)
10. Wingate (5-2, 5-2)

Recapping Week Eight

Carson-Newman: 17 Lenoir-Rhyne: 13
Predicted Score: Carson-Newman: 60 Lenoir-Rhyne: 17

Lenoir-Rhyne flirted with an upset for over three quarters until Carson-Newman scored 14 unanswered points in the final period. The Bears held Carson-Newman to only 112 yards rushing. Most years, the Eagles have that in less than a period against Lenoir-Rhyne. The Bears received another gutsy performance from senior quarterback Justin Sanders as he allowed L-R to more than double the rushing total from Carson-Newman with 230 yard. C-N's air attack was contained for most of the game, including a couple of drops from Reggie Hubbard. However, Hubbard made up for it with the go-ahead score to seal the victory.

Newberry: 35 Wingate: 27
Predicted Score: Newberry: 37 Wingate: 30

By shutting down the Wingate ground game, Newberry put itself in terrific shape to silence a dangerous Bulldog team. Wingate was unable to overcome a game-changing interception return for a touchdown by Newberry in the fourth quarter. WU quarterback Cody Haffly went toe-to-toe with perhaps the SAC's best player not named Jonas Randolph, which is Brandon Gantt. Haffly had 232 yards passing and three touchdowns. However, one of his two interceptions essentially ended all hopes of a 4-0 SAC start. Newberry was boosted by the play of big-time receivers Brandon Bostick, nine catches for 158 yards, and David Smith, seven catches for 142 yards and a score.

Catawba: 41 Tusculum: 27
Predicted Score: Catawba: 38 Tusculum: 24

Catawba quarterback Pat Dennis continues to energize a Catawba offense that is beginning to hit its stride after atrocious displays earlier in conference play. In a way, the first and second half of the Tusculum game is a microcosm of Catawba's conference season. The Tribe earned a combined zero points after two trips inside the Tusculum 5-yard line. Dennis lifted the Indians to 28 second half points to give his team the first conference win of the season. Tusculum allowed ten sacks to the Indians. Pioneer freshman quarterback Bo Cordell completed 32 of 50 passes for 392 yards and four scores.

Mars Hill: 28 Brevard: 13
Predicted Score: Mars Hill: 31 Brevard: 17

While this one is not classified as a moral victory for Brevard, it does show how far the Tornados are advancing under head coach Paul Hamilton. BC was determined to slow down the Lion rushing attack at all costs, which allowed Mars Hill quarterbacks Jon Richt and Luis Cruz to fire devastating blows. The duo combined for 258 yards passing and three scores to give Brevard its first home setback in 2009.

Week Nine Previews

I made last week look easy by going 4-0.

My record now stands at 31-12 for the season and 10-6 in conference play.

The 4-0 prediction record is not only a result of my expertise with this conference, but also an attempt to land my own reality-television show.

Some people pretend to have their kid in a silly looking balloon in their quest to get TV time while others calculate point spreads and preview South Atlantic Conference games.

Saturday October 24, 2009

Brevard (6-2, 2-2) at #15 Carson-Newman (4-2, 3-0), 1:00 PM ET
Forecast at Kickoff: 57 degrees, few showers, 9 MPH wind, and 30% chance of precipitation.
Point Spread: Carson-Newman (-28)

I know I should have learned a lesson after Lenoir-Rhyne nearly knocked off Carson-Newman, but I feel like this one will not be close. This will be the second straight week that the Eagles will face an option offense. Plus, the Brevard offense hardly got off of the ground last week against Mars Hill. To win, or be competitive, at Mossy Creek, a team must have a high-octane offense.

Carson-Newman is due a huge win at Burke-Tarr Stadium this season and they will not have another week of not being able to execute inside of the redzone.

Carson-Newman's split back veer running attack may be limited early by Brevard's determined defense. In fact, one of the biggest surprises to most this season is the impressive numbers posted by their defense.

However, there comes a time when a couple of deep passes will open up the dive for huge gains. The Tornados do not possess the speed to keep up with C-N quarterback Alex Good once he reaches the edge. Expect Good to have close to 150 rushing yards thanks to a couple of long distance runs.

Carson-Newman reminds the country that the veer should still be feared.

Carson-Newman: 49 Brevard: 9

Tusculum (1-6, 0-4) at Newberry (4-3, 2-2), 7:00 PM ET
Forecast at Kickoff: 52 degrees, showers, 12 MPH wind, and 40% chance of precipitation.
Point Spread: Newberry (-17)

This game is usually reserved as the battle of the SAC's best and fastest athletes since the year 2003.

This year it is going to be reserved as, to put it kindly, Newberry wiping out Tusculum.

It has been one of those years for the Pioneers where nothing seems to go right for very long. One issue that must be addressed by Tusculum is the pressure placed on freshman quarterback Bo Cordell. His reaction to heat in the pocket must be addressed on getting rid of the football. Last year, Pioneer legend Corey Russell always had the ball either out of his hands at the drop back or he was scrambling when his mental clock went off.

That will develop in time for Cordell but Newberry isn't going to wait.

The Scarlet and Gray's defensive backfield was responsible for another big score this season when junior Ron Parker took an interception 54 yards to the end zone.

Expect Newberry's defensive front to set the tempo from the opening drive. Newberry quarterback Brandon Gantt will be facing one of the worst secondaries he has played to date this season. Consider that with the ridiculous size of the Scarlet and Gray receivers and we have a mismatch of epic proportions.

Tusculum's offense is potent enough to keep the score reasonable although the game will be decided early.

Newberry: 47 Tusculum: 24

Wingate (5-2, 3-1) at Catawba (4-3, 1-3), 1:30 PM ET
Forecast at Kickoff: 70 degrees, showers, 13 MPH wind, and 40% chance of precipitation.
Point Spread: Catawba (-3.5)

Both Catawba and Wingate have seen benefits arise out of initial adversities.

Wingate's star tailback Nelson Woods was sidelined for disciplinary reasons until the fourth game of the season. This allowed sophomore Vince Jordan, a West Montgomery High standout, to already have 664 yards rushing and eight scores on the season. He runs with the attitude that he will be delivering the blows, not the defenders.

Catawba had UNC-Chapel Hill transfer quarterback Cam Sexton sidelined twice with late-hit injuries. Backup quarterback Pat Dennis has been playing like the absolute starter the past two weeks, and the Catawba offense has never looked better.

It is hard to see a lot of good news for Wingate heading into this week. Although the Bulldogs control their destiny, it surely is a treacherous journey. A trip to Catawba, hosting Carson-Newman, and then heading to Mars Hill awaits the Bulldogs.

And the journey already got off on the wrong foot last week in a loss against Newberry.

Wingate will attempt to get a better running game going this week after being absolutely dismal against the Scarlet and Gray with only 80 total rushing yards.

If Wingate cannot get momentum going with Woods and Jordan early on, they will not be able to overtake Catawba.

After a ten sack performance last week, the Tribe's defensive line is looking for an encore performance. WU quarterback Cody Haffly can slip out of the pocket if he must, which he performed brilliantly in the nationally televised game against Tusculum earlier in the year.

Expect Dennis to have another incredible day with help from receivers Gerron Bryant, Brandon Bunn, and Eric Morman.

Catawba: 33 Wingate: 21

Lenoir-Rhyne (4-4, 1-3) at Mars Hill (5-2, 3-1), 2:30 PM ET
Forecast at Kickoff: 59 degrees, showers, 11 MPH wind, and 40% chance of precipitation.
Point Spread: Mars Hill (-8)

Lenoir-Rhyne has continually stood its ground this year regardless of its opponent.

The Bear Bone offense is generally good for at least 250 rushing yards a game, which essentially limits the time of possession another team has.

A senior quarterback in Justin Sanders, along with this option offense, make it difficult to foresee the Bears being beat by more than a score or two.

This is a huge trap game for Mars Hill. Playing a perceived weaker opponent at home while being ranked fourth in the regional rankings make this game one to keep a close eye on.

Obviously, Mars Hill will need better production from Harlon Hill candidate Jonas Randolph this week after he was held in check to only 59 yards against Brevard.

The Lions should be able to pass on Lenoir-Rhyne because the Bears will put out all of the stops to contain Randolph. It is the smart move to pull of the upset in this situation. The Bears need the Mars Hill quarterbacks to prove their worth again after they performed well in the win over Brevard a week ago.

L-R coach Fred Goldsmith will force Richt or Cruz to win the game, not Randolph.

Lenoir-Rhyne does not have quite enough on defense to upset the Lions.

Mars Hill: 24 Lenoir-Rhyne: 21
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Catawba Wins 41-27 at Tusculum

Quarterback Patrick Dennis threw three second-half touchdown passes and the defense recorded 10 sacks as Catawba avoided its first four-game losing streak since 1994 with a 41-27 win over host Tusculum in South Atlantic Conference football action on Saturday afternoon at Pioneer Field.

The Catawba Indians improve to 4-3 overall and 1-3 in the SAC, while the Pioneers fall to 1-6 and 0-4.

Catawba trailed 20-13 at the break, but Dennis threw all three of his scoring strikes in the third quarter as Catawba rallied for a 34-27 lead. His 15-yard pass to Grayson Downs with 3:22 remaining in the quarter put the Indians on top for good. The defense made it stand up, posting four sacks after that point and intercepting Bo Cordell twice in the fourth quarter.

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Newberry Routs Catawba 40-21

SalisburyPost.com
Mike London

Beads of sweaty disappointment dripped down the cheeks of Catawba All-American Melquan Fair after a 40-21 loss to SAC rival Newberry on a homecoming Saturday.

Fair stomped 46 yards for a touchdown after scooping a fourth-quarter fumble. He lived a defensive lineman's wildest dream, but most of the events that occurred at sun-drenched Shuford Stadium were of the nightmare variety.

"A disappointing day, but we've got some strong individuals on this team," Fair said. "We'll keep fighting."

Had Saturday's contest been a prizefight, referees would have stepped in, sent Newberry to a neutral corner and awarded the visitors a TKO before the second quarter ended.

Head coach Chip Hester readily admitted the score was closer than the game. Catawba (3-2, 0-2) took a beating. No two ways about it.

"I got out-coached, and they out-played us and out-athleted us," Hester said. "We had the opportunities, but we didn't make any plays. We've got to put some drives together, get some first downs, control the ball. Our defense can't play every play."

Catawba's sins were numerous. Couldn't tackle. Couldn't run the ball. Couldn't protect the quarterback.

"We just got beat," safety Jaspen Gray said. "There's a lot of work to do."

Catawba won the kicking game, but every offensive and defensive stat showed Newberry's dominance. Catawba quarterback Cam Sexton, the North Carolina transfer, was sacked seven times and harassed into an interception and a fumble.

Catawba was a dismal 2-for-12 moving the chains on third down. It also was out-rushed 329-44, and that's not a typo.

"Our kids have been hoping, searching, trying to find a way to play a complete game," first-year Newberry coach Todd Knight said. "We've had several good halves. Today, we put a whole game together."

Catawba produced its only substantial offense in the first quarter, breezing 60 yards in five plays to forge a 7-7 tie. Sexton looked sharp, zipping passes of 22 yards to wideout Gerron Bryant and 15 to tight end Grayson Downs to key the drive. Antonio Hall got the touchdown from the 4.

Shootout turned blowout when Newberry (3-2, 1-1) rolled to three unanswered scores in the second quarter for a 28-7 halftime lead. Catawba was outgained 316-102 the first two quarters.

Catalysts for Newberry were elusive quarterback Brandon Gantt (211 passing yards), wideout Brandon Bostick (104 receiving yards) and hard-nosed running back T.J. Worrell, who finished with the second-best rushing game in school history. He carried 19 times for 237 yards.

Catawba couldn't bring Worrell down.

"Tackling has been the problem the last couple games," Gray said. "We're not missing many assignments. We're in good position. It's a matter of not wrapping up."

Dozens of missed Catawba tackles helped Mars Hill's Jonas Randolph earn SAC honors last week following the Lions' 14-12 victory. Worrell is a likely honoree this week.

"What happened against Mars Hill in the rain and mud, we looked at that as a fluke," defensive lineman Brandon Sutton said. "But we found out today Mars Hill wasn't a fluke. We did tackling circuits all week long, but we still didn't tackle. We've got to respect opposing quarterbacks and running backs a lot more. This isn't high school. This is the SAC. Those guys are not going to go down on the first hit. We've got to wrap up and run through them."

Catawba showed life early in the third quarter when Gray blocked a punt and James Collins recovered at the Newberry 2.

"Eric Morman was on the outside and, when their guy pulled out to block him, it gave me a lane to get in there," Gray explained.

Josh Wright punched the ball into the end zone, Thomas Trexler's PAT made it 28-14, and Catawba fans were thinking miracle comeback. When Casey Hall pilfered a pass to put the offense back on the field, it seemed possible.

Catawba had second-and-5 at the Newberry 36 when linebacker Andre Moyd turned in of the game's biggest plays. He sacked Sexton for a 13-yard loss, forced a fumble on a wicked hit and recovered the ball himself.

"Looking on film, Catawba's offensive line looked to be one of the most experienced and best we'll face, and Sexton is a live-armed Division I guy who can really sling it," Knight said. "But a defensive back's best friend is a pass rush, and we were able to bring strong pressure. Maybe we just had a really good day and Catawba's offensive line had a bad day."

With 3:17 left in the third quarter, Worrell supplied the backbreaker, rambling through, around and over Indians on a 61-yard jaunt for a touchdown.

It was 34-14. The only mystery left was how ugly the final score would be.

"We knew this would be a tough matchup for us against a team with lots of experience and talent," Hester said. "The frustrating part is we weren't ready to play. We've got to find some way to get ready."

It doesn't get any easier. The Indians visit Carson-Newman next Saturday.

NOTES: Sexton was 8-of-25 passing for 122 yards. He had two nice runs on designed plays, but with all the sacks, he had minus-37 yards rushing. ... Catawba linebacker Lakeem Perry made 11 tackles. ... Fair accounted for two QB hurries and Catawba's only sack. ... Cornerback Bryant Vennable had a pick. ... Center Zane Gibson dressed but did not play. He expects to return next week. Full Story