Salisbury, N.C. – Newberry College Football Secures Road Victory Against Catawba
Newberry College’s football team achieved a much-needed victory on Saturday, October 21, 2023, defeating Catawba College 27-21 in a thrilling contest. This win improved the Wolves’ record to 2-4 overall and 2-2 in the South Atlantic Conference (SAC). The Indians, on the other hand, fell to 2-5 with a 1-4 conference record.
A Game of Comebacks
The game was marked by strategic plays and hard-fought battles, especially in the second half. Newberry opened the scoring late in the second quarter when Quez Spells converted a short one-yard touchdown run. This crucial play came after a scoreless first quarter and a missed field goal attempt earlier in the game. The Wolves went into halftime holding a narrow 6-0 lead.
In the second half, Newberry’s defense stepped up to halt Catawba’s initial drive, allowing the offense to strike quickly. They executed a rapid 45-yard drive, culminating in an eight-yard touchdown run by Dwayne Wright, extending Newberry’s lead to 13-0.
Catawba responded late in the third quarter when LJ Turner broke free for a 75-yard touchdown run, bringing the score to 13-7. The home team surged ahead early in the fourth quarter, as Juice Martin intercepted a pass and returned it 89 yards for a touchdown, putting Catawba in the lead at 14-13.
.Critical Moments in the Game
Catawba continued to build momentum when Turner scored again, this time from three yards out, making it 21-13 with just over 13 minutes left in the game. However, Newberry was far from finished. Led by quarterback Reed Charpia, who made a pivotal return from injury, the Wolves orchestrated a determined response. They conducted a 75-yard drive that concluded with a 14-yard touchdown pass from Charpia to Rico Dorsey Jr., narrowing the gap to 21-19 after failing the two-point conversion attempt.
Catawba attempted to hold onto their lead with a four-minute drive, but they failed to score, leading to a punt. Seizing the opportunity, Newberry reflected their winning spirit, driving down the field once more. This time, Spells scored from 18 yards out, securing his second touchdown of the game and giving Newberry a 27-21 advantage.
A Secure Ending
As the game neared its conclusion, defensive player Jalen Stradford intercepted a pass, effectively sealing the victory for Newberry with just 50 seconds remaining on the clock. Charpia’s performance was notable; he completed 18 of 28 passes for 191 yards and one touchdown. Rushing leader Dwayne Wright amassed 142 yards on 23 attempts, while Spells made significant contributions with 62 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Head Coach’s Perspective
After the game, head coach Todd Knight expressed relief and satisfaction with the team’s performance. “I was very concerned with their offense,” he reflected. “They took 96 snaps last week against Limestone, and we held them to 50. It was going downhill quickly, and we came storming back. We will take a road win in this league anytime.”
What’s Next for the Wolves
Looking ahead, Newberry will play at home against Barton College on Saturday, October 26, 2023. The game is scheduled to kick off at 4:00 p.m. at Setzler Field, where fans will hope to see the Wolves build on their triumphant momentum.
For more information on the game or to follow Newberry College Athletics, community members and fans can contact the athletic department or check their social media.
