Staff report
SALISBURY — Catawba’s football team plays at home against Anderson on Saturday at 6 p.m.
Playing at home is always good news for the Indians, as they are 5-0 on Kirkland Field at Shuford Stadium. The Indians will celebrate their seniors as well as a new class of Hall of Famer athletes, including several former football stars.
Catawba’s schedule turned out to be unfortunately configured this year, as the Indians have played the bottom of the SAC (plus two easy non-conference wins) at home while taking on the top of the league on the road. Catawba had a big road triumph at Newberry, but dropped road games at Wingate, Emory & Henry and Carson-Newman.
Newberry, Wingate, Carson-Newman and Emory & Henry are the four South Atlantic Conference teams in the regional rankings.
Catawba (6-3, 4-3) has had a fine season and will have a winning season regardless of what happens in the last two weeks. The offensive numbers put up by coach Tyler Haines’ Indians — 34 points per game and 437 yards per game — have been exceptional.
Surprisingly, the Massey Ratings only favor Catawba by six points over Anderson (5-5, 3-5), which will be wrapping up its season.
Anderson won two easy non-conference games to begin the season, and it has prevailed against the bottom of the SAC — UVA Wise and Tusculum. The best victory for the Trojans came against Lenoir-Rhyne, and the Bears are a middle-of-the-pack SAC team this year.
Anderson’s offense was stuffed by Wingate and Carson-Newman, but the Trojans showed plenty of life last week and nearly upset Newberry with a new quarterback — Wilson Edwards. Anderson had a good offensive day against the Wolves with 360 well-balanced yards. Catawba will prepare for Edwards as the QB.
Newberry continues to lead the SAC with one loss. Wingate and Carson-Newman have lost two each. Emory & Henry and Catawba have lost three each. The Indians were one more road win away from a really special season.
WSAT will broadcast Saturday’s game. Catawba’s official website will provide “Know Before You Go” information on tickets, tailgating, etc.
Catawba will travel to Lenoir-Rhyne next week, as the regular season concludes.
