October 29th, 2026 12:00am
It’s Halloween weekend in the South Atlantic Conference, and there are plenty of tricks, treats, and potential nightmares still lurking around the league. Of course, trying to pick games in this conference has been as frightening as having to watch Halloweentown with my wife again. With the regular season winding down, every Saturday brings another opportunity to make a statement, spoil a rival’s plans, or send a playoff hopeful into the night with more questions than answers. Carson-Newman looks to keep its strong season rolling against Catawba, while several other SAC contenders face matchups that could shake up the conference race. Three weeks left to crown a conference champion, which could happen as early as next week, and even a share can be clinched this week. Carson-Newman, Mars Hill, and Newberry are still squarely in the playoff hunt, while an assembly of 4-4, 3-3 teams are on life support and praying the next few weeks turns into a monster truck rally of chaos. There are no guarantees this time of year, and one bad Saturday can turn a promising season into a real-life horror story. Grab the candy, turn on the lights, and let’s see who survives Week Nine.
👀 Three Things I'm Watching
... Can Carson-Newman keep control of the conference race against Catawba, or will the Indians deliver a Halloween upset that shakes up the standings?
... With Newberry facing Tusculum and Mars Hill traveling to UVA Wise, can the Wolves and Lions keep pace near the top of the standings, or will the underdogs play spoiler?
... Anderson-Wingate and Lenoir-Rhyne-Emory & Henry feature teams needing wins to improve their conference standing, making these matchups critical as the regular season enters its final stretch.
📈 SAC Standings
Rk | Team | Overall | SAC |
1 | Carson-Newman | 7-1 | 5-1 |
2 | Newberry | 6-2 | 4-2 |
3 | Mars Hill | 5-2 | 4-2 |
4 | Anderson | 4-4 | 3-3 |
5 | Catawba | 4-4 | 3-3 |
6 | Tusculum | 4-4 | 3-3 |
7 | Wingate | 4-4 | 3-3 |
8 | Emory & Henry* | 3-5 | 2-4 |
9 | Lenoir-Rhyne* | 3-5 | 2-4 |
10 | UVA Wise* | 1-7 | 1-5 |
*-eliminated from SAC Championship contention
📊 NPI Watch
| Rk | LW | Team | Conf. | Record | NPI |
| 1 | 2 | Kentucky State | SIAC | 7-1 | 61.422 |
| 2 | 1 | Edward Waters | SIAC | 5-1 | 60.860 |
| 3 | 3 | Benedict | SIAC | 7-1 | 60.251 |
| 4 | 4 | Carson–Newman | SAC | 6-1 | 59.760 |
| 5 | 8 | Central State | SIAC | 5-1 | 58.731 |
| 6 | 5 | North Greenville | CC | 7-1 | 58.041 |
| 7 | 7 | Mars Hill | SAC | 5-2 | 56.513 |
| 8 | 9 | Newberry | SAC | 4-2 | 54.462 |
First Four Out | 9 | 6 | West Alabama | GSC | 5-2 | 54.405 |
10 | 11 | Tuskegee | SIAC | 4-3 | 53.394 | |
11 | 10 | Valdosta State | GSC | 4-1 | 53.182 | |
12 | NR | UNC Pembroke | CC | 6-2 | 52.775 |
📝 Picks
Last Week: 1-0
Season: 30-19
🏆 SAC Game of the Week
#17 Carson-Newman Eagles (7-1, 5-1) at Catawba Indians (4-4, 3-3)
Location & Time: Salisbury, NC / 1:00 PM
Series: Carson-Newman leads the all-time series, 43-14-1. (Eagles won the last meeting, 24-16, in 2025)
Carson-Newman leaned on its trademark rushing attack to pull away from Emory & Henry for a 31-10 victory, taking over sole possession of first place in the SAC standings. The Eagles piled up 377 rushing yards on 69 attempts, averaged 5.5 yards per carry, and controlled the game with 23 first downs compared to just 10 for the Wasps. Joshua Adams led the way with 93 yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries, while Kayden McCoy, Malaki Dowell, and Don Bradley each contributed at least 41 rushing yards. Carson-Newman built a 17-3 halftime lead, weathered a third-quarter touchdown that cut the margin to seven, then answered with two fourth-quarter scoring drives of 80 and 70 yards to put the game away. The Eagles did not complete a pass, but their ground game and ability to sustain long drives made it unnecessary, as they finished with 377 total yards while holding Emory & Henry to 181. Moving forward, Carson-Newman improved to 5-1 in SAC play and strengthened its conference title and NCAA Division II playoff position, with its dominant rushing attack continuing to be the team's biggest strength.
Catawba used a dominant ground game and a fourth-quarter rally to escape Anderson with a 37-33 win, finishing with 454 total yards and 295 rushing yards. Freshman Jayden Jones rushed for 107 yards on nine carries, including a 55-yard touchdown, while Bennett Galloway added two rushing scores. Quarterback Mason Fortune completed 14 of 24 passes for 159 yards and connected with Nicholas Venezia on a 50-yard touchdown pass that cut Anderson's lead to 33-31 with 8:50 remaining. Galloway's second touchdown of the afternoon, with 6:33 left, put the Indians ahead for good as their defense shut out Anderson in the fourth quarter. The win moved Catawba to 4-4 overall and 3-3 in SAC play, with the emergence of Jones and the ability to finish a close road game offering reasons for optimism heading into the final stretch.
Projected Score: Carson-Newman 28, Catawba 21.
My Pick: CARSON-NEWMAN
Carson-Newman heads to Salisbury with a 7-1 overall record and a 5-1 mark in SAC play, while Catawba looks to defend its home field at 4-4 overall and 3-3 in conference action. The Eagles have won three of the last four at Shuford Stadium. 1. Establish the ground game: The Eagles have rushed for 2,467 yards and 25 touchdowns this season, averaging 308.4 rushing yards per game, while Catawba allows 140 rushing yards per contest. 2. Win the turnover battle: Carson-Newman has intercepted 12 passes, the most in the SAC, while Catawba has thrown nine interceptions; the Indians must protect the football against an aggressive Eagles defense. 3. Contain Catawba's offensive balance: The Indians average 335.8 total yards and 25.3 points per game, so Carson-Newman must prevent Catawba from sustaining drives and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. With Carson-Newman averaging 29.6 points per game while allowing just 14.8, Catawba will need to find ways to generate explosive plays, and finish drives to pull off the upset. I like how the Eagles are playing, especially since the 2nd half of the Lenoir-Rhyne game.
Rest of the Slate
Lenoir-Rhyne Bears (3-5, 2-4) at Emory & Henry Wasps (3-5, 2-4)
Location & Time: Emory, VA / 1:00 PM
Series: Lenoir-Rhyne leads the all-time series, 8-2. (Bears won the last meeting, 31-28, in 2025)
Lenoir-Rhyne let a promising Homecoming performance slip away, falling 20-17 despite leading 14-3 at halftime and forcing four turnovers, including two interceptions. Carson Spoonts connected with Tye Roberson on a 48-yard touchdown pass, and LJ Turner added a five-yard rushing score as the Bears capitalized on Wingate's early mistakes. Wells Bettenhausen completed 20-of-33 passes for 185 yards with two interceptions, while Turner finished with 47 rushing yards and a touchdown; the Bears managed only 51 net rushing yards overall. Lenoir-Rhyne tied the game at 17 on Cole Allbaugh's 37-yard field goal with 7:26 remaining, but the defense couldn't prevent Wingate's decisive final scoring drive, and a late interception ended the Bears' last comeback opportunity. Penalties missed opportunities and a 4-of-13 performance on third down proved costly despite a defense that generated two interceptions and kept the game close. Moving forward, the Bears fell to 2-4 in SAC play and needed to clean up their execution in critical situations, particularly on offense, to make the most of their remaining conference games.
Emory & Henry struggled to find any consistency offensively in a 31-10 loss, managing just 181 total yards against a Carson-Newman defense that effectively shut down the passing game. The Wasps finished with only 33 passing yards on 4-of-14 attempts, throwing one interception and failing to complete a pass for a touchdown. De'Ante Childs was the bright spot, rushing for 120 yards on 13 carries, while Dallas Chavis added 41 rushing yards and the team's lone touchdown on a five-yard run in the third quarter. Asher Frisbee connected on a 39-yard field goal in the second quarter, and Chavis' touchdown briefly brought the Wasps within 17-10 before Carson-Newman responded with two fourth-quarter scores. Although Emory & Henry averaged 5.5 yards per rushing attempt, the offense couldn't sustain enough drives to keep pace with the Eagles, finishing with just 10 first downs and 41 offensive plays. Moving forward, the Wasps fell to 2-4 in SAC play and need to find more balance offensively, particularly through the air, while building on Childs' robust performance as they look to rebound against Lenoir-Rhyne.
Projected Score: Lenoir-Rhyne 26, Emory & Henry 21.
My Pick: LENOIR-RHYNE
Lenoir-Rhyne heads to Emory & Henry looking to snap a two-game losing streak after consecutive 20-17 defeats to Carson-Newman and Wingate, while the Wasps are coming off a 10-31 loss to Carson-Newman. 1. Establish the run: The Bears average 161.5 rushing yards per game and have scored 18 rushing touchdowns, making their ground attack a key matchup against an Emory & Henry team that needs to limit sustained drives. 2. Protect the football: Lenoir-Rhyne has thrown eight interceptions and lost five fumbles, so avoiding giveaways will be critical in a matchup between two 3-5 teams looking to gain ground in the SAC standings. 3. Finish drives: The Bears average 25.3 points per game and have scored touchdowns on 17 of 22 red-zone trips, giving them an opportunity to exploit an Emory & Henry defense that must prevent scoring opportunities from turning into touchdowns. With both teams needing a late-season win, the turnover battle and red-zone execution could determine who comes away with a much-needed conference victory. Going with the Bears but this is a 51-49% game as far as to pick.
Mars Hill Lions (5-2, 4-2) at UVA Wise Cavaliers (1-7, 1-5)
Location & Time: Wise, VA / 2:00 PM
Series: Mars Hill leads the all-time series, 12-1. (Lions won the last meeting, 60-19, in 2025)
Mars Hill struggled to generate explosive offense against a relentless Newberry defense, finishing with 190 total yards despite recording 16 first downs and completing 27 of 42 passes. Quarterback Lukas Kachilo threw for 156 yards without an interception, but five sacks contributed to a difficult afternoon, and the Lions managed only 34 net rushing yards. Rayvon Durant provided the team's lone touchdown with a 39-yard third-quarter run, finishing with 67 net rushing yards, but Newberry answered with its 55-yard touchdown pass to restore a two-score lead. The Lions also struggled on third down, converting just five of 18 attempts, and their offense failed to score again after Durant's run. After opening SAC play with four consecutive victories, Mars Hill dropped back-to-back conference games to Emory & Henry and Newberry, falling to 5-2 overall and 4-2 in the SAC; the Lions remained in the conference race but needed to rebound quickly to stay in contention for the title.
UVA Wise appeared poised to pick up a much-needed conference victory after jumping out to a 10-0 lead, but a late turnover proved costly in a heartbreaking 24-17 loss. Beason completed 22-of-38 passes for 292 yards and a touchdown while adding a rushing score, and Hunter Purdue was his top target with 10 receptions for 138 yards. Thomas McCoy caught a 24-yard touchdown pass early in the first quarter, and the Cavaliers eventually tied the game at 17 when Beason scored on a one-yard run with 7:57 remaining. Defensively, Jalen Pickens recorded 16 tackles, including 11 solo stops, while also forcing and recovering a fumble, but the Cavaliers struggled to contain Tusculum's rushing attack, surrendering 225 yards on the ground. UVA Wise actually held a slight edge in passing production and finished with 333 total yards, but a failed fourth-down attempt, a blocked field goal and the late interception prevented the Cavaliers from finishing the job. Moving forward, the Cavaliers fell to 1-5 in SAC play, making ball security and run defense priorities as they look to turn competitive stretches into wins during the final weeks of the season.
Projected Score: Mars Hill 30, UVA Wise 16.
My Pick: MARS HILL
Mars Hill will look to get back on track after consecutive losses to Emory & Henry and Newberry, and playing against a team you’ve won five straight against might be the cure. 1. Establish the ground game: Mars Hill averages just 17.4 points per game, so finding consistent offensive production will be critical against a UVA Wise defense allowing 38.1 points per game. 2. Limit explosive plays: UVA Wise has demonstrated its scoring potential, putting up 48 points against Newberry and 27 against Wingate, but the Cavaliers must find more consistency after averaging 25.1 points per game while allowing 38.1. 3. Win the turnover and finishing battle: Mars Hill has allowed only 15.1 points per game, giving the Lions a significant defensive advantage, but their offense must capitalize on scoring opportunities after managing just 16 points combined in its last two games. UVA Wise has already shown it can pull off an upset, so protecting the football and converting red-zone opportunities will be crucial for both teams. I like the Lions’ defense in this game.
Anderson Trojans (4-4, 3-3) at Wingate Bulldogs (4-4, 3-3)
Location & Time: Wingate, NC / 3:00 PM
Series: Wingate leads the all-time series, 1-0. (Bulldogs won the only meeting, 30-3, in 2025)
Anderson looked ready to claim an important home victory after jumping out to a 16-7 first-quarter lead and extending its advantage to 33-24 early in the third quarter, but the offense couldn't deliver a finishing score. Darren Lloyd provided an explosive start with a 66-yard touchdown run and later caught a 19-yard scoring pass from Wilson Edwards, who finished with 230 passing yards and a touchdown on 19-of-32 passing. Darron Parry added an eight-yard rushing touchdown, and Rafael Little's 25-yard interception return gave the Trojans a 33-24 cushion. Anderson finished with 357 total yards, including 230 through the air, but managed only 127 rushing yards and was outgained by 168 yards overall as Catawba controlled possession for 32:37. The loss dropped the Trojans to 4-4 overall and 3-3 in SAC play, leaving them needing better run defense and stronger fourth-quarter execution to get back into the conference race.
Wingate rallied from a 14-3 halftime deficit to earn a hard-fought 20-17 road victory, extending its winning streak against Lenoir-Rhyne to five games. The Bulldogs outgained the Bears 398-284, including 247 passing yards from Brooks Brien, who finished 15-of-30 with one touchdown and two interceptions. Jason Willis provided a spark on the ground with 90 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Xavier Jackson hauled in five receptions for 108 yards and Damonte James caught a 51-yard scoring pass. Defensively, Wingate recorded all six of the game's sacks and limited Lenoir-Rhyne to just 51 rushing yards, while converting 10-of-17 third downs to sustain drives and control possession. Gunnar Hilsinger's 25-yard field goal with 1:27 remaining proved decisive, capping a 13-play, 77-yard drive that gave the Bulldogs a much-needed conference win. Moving forward, Wingate improved to 3-3 in SAC play and showed the ability to overcome adversity, but protecting the football and improving consistency remain important as the Bulldogs look to finish the season strong.
Projected Score: Wingate 28, Anderson 16.
My Pick: WINGATE
Coach Jordan’s squad has gently pulled themselves together and while chances are not high, if they won out they could possibly steal a playoff bid from someone. I like the Bulldogs in this one because they are trending upwards, while the Trojans are going the other way after a hot start. My keys to the game start with the Trojan defense being able to slow down or stop Wingate’s rushing attack. Wingate averages 154.0 rushing yards per game, while Anderson allows 206.1 rushing yards per game, and that combo of Willis & Wallace has been key for them. Whoever does a better job at protecting the football in this one is obviously key, and which team will be able to finish in the red zone. Wingate has scored on 20 of its 26 red-zone trips, including 12 touchdowns, while Anderson has scored on 19 of 22 trips, with 15 touchdowns. That gives Anderson a strong red-zone conversion rate, making every trip inside the 20 important. The team that turns its scoring opportunities into touchdowns rather than field goals could have the edge.
Tusculum Pioneers (4-4, 3-3) at Newberry Wolves (6-2, 4-2)
Location & Time: Newberry, SC / 6:00 PM
Series: Newberry leads the all-time series, 15-11. (Wolves won the last meeting, 35-28, in 2025)
Tusculum rallied from an early 10-0 deficit to earn a dramatic 24-17 victory over UVA Wise, scoring the game-winning touchdown with just eight seconds remaining. The Pioneers were outplayed through the air but controlled the ground game, outrushing the Cavaliers 225-41 while finishing with 351 total yards. Quarterback Teddy Gleaton threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to Cam Ferguson as time expired in the first half, then added two rushing touchdowns, including the decisive three-yard score following a 97-yard drive in the final minutes. Tusculum's defense produced two turnovers, including a late interception at the Cavaliers' three-yard line that set up the winning score. Despite allowing 292 passing yards to McCalan Beason, the Pioneers found a way to make the critical plays when the game was on the line. Moving forward, Tusculum improved to 3-3 in SAC play and showed resilience in a close conference matchup, but the passing game and defensive consistency against opposing quarterbacks remain areas to watch as the Pioneers pursue a stronger finish.
Newberry's defense and special teams carried the day, limiting Mars Hill to 190 total yards, including just 34 rushing yards on 29 attempts, while recording five sacks. Quarterback Mason Kidd completed 16 of 24 passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with De'Andre Coleman for a 28-yard score and Alex Meeks for a 55-yard touchdown that answered Mars Hill's third-quarter rally. The biggest momentum swing came from Tyleke Mathis, who returned a punt 89 yards for a touchdown just before halftime to give the Wolves a 13-0 advantage. Although Newberry committed two interceptions and finished with 282 total yards, its defense held the Lions scoreless over the final quarter and secured the win. The victory marked Newberry's second consecutive road win and moved the Wolves to 5-2 overall and 4-2 in conference play, putting them in second place and firmly in the SAC championship conversation.
Projected Score: Newberry 33, Tusculum 15.
My Pick: NEWBERRY
Coach Knight and the Wolves have won five in a row in this rivalry, including escaping last year and I favor them to win in this one, setting up a monster showdown in Mossy Creek next weekend. Tusculum comes in the with the leagues second best rushing offense, while Newberry boast the best run defense in the league. The Pioneers’ ability to run the ball and control the clock will be vital if they are going to play spoiler. Can the Tusculum pass defense slow down Mason Kidd and the offense? 1st ranked pass offense in the SAC vs. the 8th rated pass defense…hmmm. The other area I am watching is can Tusculum get off the field on 3rd downs against one of the two SAC teams converting at a 45% or higher rate. All signs point to the Wolves, but again, in 2026 SAC Football, who knows.
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