SAC Week 6 Preview

October 10th, 2025 5:00pm

SAC Players of the Week for 10/4

Offense: Reed Charpia (Newberry): completed 34 of his 46 passes for 413 yards and six touchdowns; touchdown with 54 seconds left and in OT and two-point conversion for win.

Defense: Evan Simons (Catawba): racked up 12 total tackles, including three tackles for loss which totaled 31 yards. He added a pair of sacks and intercepted a pass which he returned 23 yards.

Special Teams: Trace Butcher (Emory & Henry): 3-for-3 on field goals, with a long of 47 yards

Standings after Week 5

Playoff Outlook

Purely for conversation until the first regional rankings release, here are the top 16 teams in Super Region 2 based on W%+SOS metric. Shoutout to our friend InkBlot Sports for all the arduous work he puts into the numbers for all D2 sports.

Last Week: 2-3

Season: 29-7

***Carson-Newman is off this week***

Newberry Wolves at Tusculum Pioneers

Location & Time: Greeneville, TN / 2 PM

Massey: Newberry -7.5

SP+: Newberry 31.7, Tusculum 19.9.

Series: Newberry leads series, 14-11. (Newberry won the last meeting, 50-20, in 2024)

Newberry pulled off one of the most dramatic wins of the SAC season, rallying from a 21–0 deficit to beat Wingate 43–42 in overtime. Quarterback Reed Charpia delivered a career-best performance, throwing for 413 yards and engineering multiple clutch scoring drives, including a game-tying touchdown in regulation and a two-point conversion to win it in OT. Receivers DeAndre Coleman, Rico Dorsey Jr., and Keit Desaussure each made big plays in space, constantly moving the chains and stretching Wingate’s secondary. Running back Kenmane Brunson helped convert short-yardage situations, and the Wolves went a perfect 5-for-5 in the red zone and 5-for-5 on fourth down, displaying precision under pressure. The defense bent early but held strong late, and kicker Burke Nettles delivered in high-leverage moments. Ultimately, it was a gritty, high-tempo comeback fueled by offensive resilience and fearless play-calling that allowed Newberry to escape Wingate with a signature win.

Coach Taylor and the Pioneers were off last week, but the week before they suffered a loss to UVA Wise. Tusculum matched UVA Wise punch-for-punch for three quarters — the Pioneers put together a balanced attack that left the game tied 21–21 heading into the fourth — but they were undone by a decisive fourth-quarter swing by the Cavaliers and costly turnovers that flipped field position late. Tusculum scored on multiple sustained drives (including a short-yardage finish by Ja’Marcus Celestin) and moved the ball effectively between Lavante Adams’ designed runs and timely completions to Javon Richardson, but UVA Wise ripped the game open in the fourth with four rushing touchdowns and a turnover-driven surge that turned a tie into a 35–21 final. The sequence in the fourth — a Tusculum fumble that led to a long, immediate score and then consecutive successful ground drives by UVA Wise — was the difference; the Cavs finished with a physical rushing day and pressured the Pioneers into mistakes that Tusculum could not overcome.

Prediction: Wolves cruise to 5-1.

Newberry has reeled off four straight against Tusculum, and seven of the last ten. I feel quite confident that they will make that five straight this weekend. Newberry’s offense will give them problems and even though I think the Wolves defense has some holes, I do not see the Pioneer offense taking advantage of that enough times to make this game particularly close. I expect a big day from Reed Charpia and the Wolves passing game against the leagues 9^th ranked pass defense.

#24 Emory & Henry Wasps at Mars Hill Lions

Location & Time: Mars Hill, NC / 2:30 PM

Massey: Emory & Henry -2.5

SP+: Emory & Henry 27.8, Mars Hill 22.7.

Series: NEITHER SCHOOL HAS IT POSTED ANYWHERE

Emory & Henry pulled off a gritty, gutsy home victory over No. 22 Carson‑Newman, holding on 19–13 in a defensive slugfest. Their offense was far from explosive (just 128 passing yards on 8-of-17), but the Wasps leaned on special teams and opportunistic plays. They opened with a 25‑yard field goal by Trace Butcher, then got a blocked Carson‑Newman punt that resulted in a safety. In the fourth quarter, Rudolph Paul ran in from 12 yards for the go‑ahead touchdown, followed by a successful two‑point pass from Cole Lambert to Jordan Jackson. Butcher nailed a 47‑yard field goal with 1:49 left to ice it. Defensively, E&H bent but did not break — the Eagles were limited to just 11 yards total across four fourth‑quarter possessions. The Wasps’ secondary and front line held firm in the clutch, and their ability to capitalize on field position and special team’s swings proved decisive.

Mars Hill battled all night and showed flashes of offensive pop but could not outmatch Catawba’s physicality and consistency. Quarterback JR Martin passed for 307 yards and 3 touchdowns (with one interception) and also added a rushing score, finding Edward Louis Jr. for a 62-yard strike and Charlie Guinade for a 31-yard score as part of his aerial success. Running back Jon Gullette added a solid 58 rushing yards, though the ground game as a whole was stifled to 59 net yards. Mars Hill’s offense capped two strong quarters to tie the game 21–21 at halftime, but in the second half their drives stalled, and they could not sustain pressure. Their defense offered resistance but allowed too many explosive plays, and in crunch time failed to get the stops needed, especially on Catawba’s final drives. Mars Hill also struggled on third downs (4-of-12) and went 0-of-3 on fourth-down attempts, limiting their ability to stay in extended possession. As gallant as their effort was, turnovers, inconsistent execution, and inability to slow Catawba’s ground game proved decisive.

Prediction: Wasps get revenge for 2024, go to 6-1.

In 2024, Emory & Henry had just come off beating nationally ranked Carson-Newman at home and traveled to Mars Hill. The Lions beat the Wasps, opening the mountain division title race back up. I have less confidence in this pick than any other one this week and have done horrible picking E&H games this season. I am rolling with them not because of anything I saw against Carson-Newman last week, but because I have some concerns for Mars Hill. I did not believe their defense, who are not the 2000 Baltimore Ravens but by no means are bums, would give up 40+ to Catawba. If the Lions are to win this game, it will be similar to the matchup last season. Force some mistakes and take advantage. This is a literal coin flip, and I am already contemplating changing my pick as I write this….

Anderson Trojans at Lenoir-Rhyne Bears

Location & Time: Hickory, NC / 3 PM

Massey: Lenoir-Rhyne -14.5

SP+: Lenoir-Rhyne 30.5, Anderson 17.8

Series: Lenoir-Rhyne leads series, 1-0. (Lenoir-Rhyne won the last meeting, 27-24, in 2024)

Anderson dominated from start to finish in a commanding 50–7 South Atlantic Conference victory, flexing balance, depth, and physicality across all three phases. The Trojans struck early, opening with a 50‑yard run by Bryson James that set up Tyler Wesley’s 18-yard touchdown plunge, and they added a passing score and another rushing TD in the first quarter to grab a 21–0 lead. In the second quarter, kicker Elijah Swett connected on a 20-yard field goal to extend the margin. After the half, Anderson’s offense kept the pressure—an aerial strike to Jonathan Bowden and consistent chops from the run game prevented UVa Wise’s defense from settling. In the fourth quarter the Trojans poured it on, mixing in long gains through the air and ground and tacking on multiple touchdowns, including one after a defensive turnover. Defensively, Anderson stifled UVA Wise’s attack—forcing stalled drives, creating negative plays, and limiting the Cavaliers to just 7 points total while keeping them out of rhythm. Their swarming tackling, gap control, and ability to force mistakes allowed Anderson to dominate time of possession and pace, turning this into a lopsided blowout at home.

Lenoir‑Rhyne pulled off a gutsy road win thanks to a heroic all‑around performance from Khamoni Robinson, who threw for 275 yards and a touchdown, and also rushed for three touchdowns, including the game‑winner with 14 seconds left. The Bears countered VSU’s yardage edge (339 vs. 425) with better ball security (0 turnovers) and opportunistic defense: they intercepted Boyd four times to choke off the Blazers’ drives. On offense, Robinson connected with Songa Yates for a 46-yard touchdown and leaned on ground control in late-game situations. With the game tied in the final minutes, the Bears engineered two big third‑down conversions to set up Robinson’s decisive scoring run and the successful two-point conversion, then closed it out with a clinching interception. Their composure in crunch time, turnover-free execution, and Robinson’s heroics made the difference in a tightly contested battle.

Prediction: Lenoir-Rhyne gets back above .500

Anderson scared the britches off Lenoir-Rhyne last year and nearly pulled off the upset. A loss in that game and there is no doubt Coach Socha, and company would have been watching the playoffs. I believe Coach Lamb’s squad is a better team than they were last year, however, I still think it is fair to struggle to gauge just how good the Trojans are. Yes, they are 4-2, but their four wins are against teams who are a combined 2-17 against D2 competition. A healthy Khamoni Robinson is the difference in this one, but I do worry about the Bears having a let down after their massive road win at Valdosta State last weekend. It should be an exceptionally good ball game.

SC Central Christian College Gladiators at UVA Wise Cavaliers

Location & Time:

Massey: UVA Wise -49.5

SP+: N/A

Series: First Ever Meeting

SCCCC lost its last game to the Dragons of Virginia University of Lynchburg, 55-12, in a Thursday night contest. There is not any information I could find about individual performances for the Gladiators, and VUL’s site only post about some of their player performances. Apologies to any of the SCCCC faithful.

UVA Wise entered hostile territory and was never really able to gain traction, overwhelmed by Anderson’s physical front and opportunistic defense. Their lone bright spot came in the third quarter when quarterback Jake Corkren connected on a big play (a 60-yard pass to Peyton McClanahan) that led to their only touchdown, but that moment proved too little, too late. Earlier, every time UVA Wise attempted to move the chains—whether on the ground or through the air—they were met by Anderson’s front seven, who limited them to losses, forced turnovers, and crushed momentum. Their running game was neutralized, and the passing attack was erratic under pressure and contained by tight coverage. On defense, UVA Wise could not stem the flow; they gave up explosive runs, had trouble sustaining third-down stops, and were gashed through the middle repeatedly by Anderson’s ground game. The Cavaliers did not force a turnover or mount sustained scoring drives, and their inability to slow down the Trojans at any point turned this from a competitive prospect into a blowout loss.

Prediction: UVA Wise hangs 60+

Will not spend a lot of time here, just like I do not think the UVA Wise starters will spend a lot of time between the lines tomorrow. Daniel Thomas may rush for 250 in the first quarter alone. Coach Bass will get a lot of guys playing time and the Cavaliers will absolutely cruise over the Gladiators.

Catawba Indians at Wingate Bulldogs

Location & Time: Wingate, NC / 6 PM

Massey: Wingate -16.5

SP+: Wingate 35.9, Catawba 20.3

Series: Wingate leads series, 19-17. (Wingate won the last meeting, 24-15, in 2024)

Catawba delivered a defining statement in the SAC, knocking off previously unbeaten Mars Hill 42–28 behind a stout rushing attack and timely playmaking. Kevin Lalin carried the load, rushing for 173 yards and a touchdown while also hauling in a 13-yard TD reception, illustrating his dual-threat impact. Quarterback Preston Brown was efficient, going 17-for-27 for 207 yards, throwing three touchdowns, and adding another on the ground, balancing his aerial game with mobility. The Indians controlled the line of scrimmage, piling up 218 rushing yards and limiting Mars Hill to just 59 on the ground, while the defense registered three sacks, forced one turnover, and consistently disrupted drives. Evan Simons anchored the defensive standouts with 12 tackles, three TFLs, two sacks, and an interception, helping Catawba seize momentum in the trenches. They converted 8-of-13 third downs, held Mars Hill to 4-of-12, and dominated time of possession (34:03 to 25:57), enabling them to close out the game by shutting down late Mars Hill drives and sealing control with balanced execution.

Wingate came out swinging and looked in total control early, jumping out to a 21–0 lead behind a dynamic offense led by quarterback Elijah Holmes, who threw for 307 yards. Running back Xavier Pugh kept the attack balanced with 156 rushing yards, while wideouts Carlos Estronza and Laron Warner made explosive plays downfield. The Bulldogs were flawless in the red zone and capitalized on a huge momentum swing in the fourth quarter when linebacker Guy Taylor returned an interception 56 yards for a touchdown, sealing the win. However, Wingate’s defense could not get a final stop in regulation or overtime, struggling to contain Newberry’s spread attack in key moments. Despite strong performances from their offensive stars and consistent execution through three quarters, Wingate’s inability to close the door late — particularly on fourth down and in OT — led to a heartbreaking loss that will sting in the SAC title race.

Prediction: Wingate rights the ship in a classic.

Wingate has won seven straight over their in-state rivals and won 14 of the last 16. I am leaning Bulldogs again, but I am wondering about a couple of things: 1. What on earth happened on defense last week that made Reed Charpia look like a Harlon Hill finalist (obviously no disrespect meant) and how do you fix it? 2. Can the defense make enough stops against the high-powered Indians offense to give their own offense a chance? Catawba can hurt you in so many different ways and the team is evolving. Clutch defensive moments were the story last week against Mars Hill and it would not stun me at all if they walked in and handed Coach Jordan’s crew their 3^rd straight loss.

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