Newberry Dominates in Season Opener Against Tusculum
Newberry, SC – The excitement was palpable in Newberry as the Newberry College Wolves kicked off their 2024 season in style, defeating the Tusculum Pioneers with an emphatic score of 50-20. This victory marks a thrilling start to their South Atlantic Conference schedule, and it showed off just how strong the Wolves are in both their offensive and defensive arsenals.
Strong Individual Performances
The Wolves’ success on the field could be attributed to standout performances from several players. Dwayne Wright stole the show on the ground, racking up an impressive 142 yards on just seven carries, including a sensational 29-yard touchdown run on Newberry’s opening drive. Quarterback Reed Charpia was equally impressive through the air, completing 13 of 17 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown, showcasing a well-rounded offensive strategy.
On the receiving end, Quez Spells and Keith Desaussure each found the end zone twice, adding to the Wolves’ tally. The team demonstrated their prowess in the red zone, succeeding in all six attempts to score, making them look unstoppable inside the opponent’s territory.
A Defensive Standout
But it wasn’t just the offense that shined. The Wolves’ defense was a force to reckon with, registering a safety and forcing two turnovers while holding the Pioneers to a mere 251 total yards. Chucky Roach led the defense with six tackles. Meanwhile, the dynamic duo of Colby Taylor and Ja Stevens stepped up with key plays, including a pair of quarterback sacks and an interception that helped set up an additional field goal.
Game Highlights
The Wolves kicked things off in spectacular fashion, taking the opening kickoff and marching down the field with ease. It only took them five plays to score, building a quick 7-0 lead. Before the crowd could settle, a snap miscue by Tusculum led to a defensive safety, quickly putting Newberry up by 9-0 just two minutes into the game.
The first quarter continued with excitement as the Wolves added to their lead. After a quick three-and-out from Tusculum, the Wolves’ offense struck again with a blistering 67-yard drive capped by Desaussure’s six-yard end-around to make it 16-0. Although the Pioneers finally got on the board with a long touchdown run, Newberry’s response was swift, ending the half at 33-6 with a spectacular drive and quick scoring.
A Dominating Second Half
As the game progressed into the second half, the Wolves maintained control of the play. In the third quarter, Spells made a highlight-reel run of 21 yards, contributing to his own touchdown and pushing the score to 40-13. Charpia’s quarterback sneak early in the fourth quarter felt like the icing on the cake, establishing a dominant lead at 50 points—a feat not achieved since April 2020.
Looking Forward
The Newberry Wolves, riding on the momentum of this impressive opening game, will look to keep the fire alive as they return home to host UVA Wise this Saturday evening at 7:00 p.m.. Fans are buzzing with anticipation, eager to see if the Wolves can continue their impressive start to the season.
As the Wolves prepare for their next challenge, one thing is clear: spirit and determination are high, making for an exciting season ahead.
