Staff report
SALISBURY — Catawba’s 63-23 destruction of Southern Connecticut State’s football team prompted cheers from Indian fans and yawns from the Massey Ratings.
Despite an onslaught against the Owls that threatened school records, Catawba is listed as a 6-point underdog for this Saturday’s South Atlantic Conference game with Mars Hill. The Lions are expected to be quite a bit better than the Owls.
Kickoff at Shuford Stadium is at 6 p.m.
It will be strange to have a Catawba-Mars Hill game without Tim Clifton coaching the Lions. A living legend, he coached them 32 years before retiring prior to this season. Defensive coordinator Kevin Barnette, Clifton’s right-hand man for a long time, replaced him in the director’s chair, so the Lions probably won’t change much. They always have had a reputation as one of the league’s toughest, most physical teams.
Mars Hill recruits Rowan, Cabarrus and Stanly counties with some enthusiasm. They landed talented Carson defensive lineman Tristen McBride, who redshirted last season. McBride had a sack in the opener this season, but he hasn’t been playing, so he may be injured. His father, Shawn McBride, was a studly linebacker for Catawba.
The SAC standings are bunched and interesting. There are five teams in the 10-team league with one loss, including Catawba (4-1, 2-1).
One of those five is not Lenoir-Rhyne. The Bears already have two league losses.
The one team that is still unbeaten in the SAC is Mars Hill (3-1, 2-0), so this is a pivotal game for the Indians and for the Lions.
The loss for the Lions was to Winston-Salem State, non-conference to start the season. In the league, Mars Hill has beaten Anderson, a team the contenders will expect to beat, and Carson-Newman. The victory against the one-loss Eagles was large for Mars Hill. The Lions got it done in overtime.
Catawba’s two SAC wins have come against UVA Wise, a team the contenders will expect to beat, and Newberry. The road win against Newberry was a solid one for the Indians, who are coached by Tyler Haines. Newberry is one of the teams with just one SAC loss. Catawba’s setback was against Emory & Henry, another one-loss team.
Mars Hill has individual standouts. QB JR Martin isn’t far behind Catawba’s Preston Brown in the league passing stats. Running back Jon Gullette has been tough and sneaky. He had a big halfback pass for a touchdown. Catawba will have to be aware that he can sling it.
Edward Louis Jr. has a kingly name and is the leading receiver.
Mars Hill boasts the SAC’s leading tackler in linebacker Steven Reid. Reid is light for the position at 195 pounds, but he obviously enjoys tackling people. He makes about 11 tackles per game.
Catawba will give him an opportunity to tackle three very good running backs.
It should be an exciting contest. Catawba’s official website has all sorts of “Know before you go” information on tickets and tailgating. WSAT will broadcast the game.
