A house RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE THE NEWBERRY COLLEGE FOOTBALL TEAM AND COACHES ON WINNING THE 2022 SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE, TO RECOGNIZE THE TEAM'S NUMEROUS ACCOMPLISHMENTS DURING THE SEASON, AND TO EXTEND BEST WISHES FOR CONTINUED SUCCESS IN THE DAYS TO COME.

 

Whereas, in playing host to the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) Championship, the No. 21 Newberry College football team (9-2) did not disappoint in front of the home crowd. The Wolves seized their second consecutive conference crown with a 27-24 win over Mars Hill on Saturday, November 12, 2022; and

 

Whereas, while Mars Hill had a slight edge in overall yardage in the contest, the Wolves had a strong 209-92 advantage in rushing yards, thanks to the effort of sophomore Mario Anderson, who took 33 carries for 144 yards on his way to being named the game MVP by the league. Graduate Dre Harris rushed for 42 yards in the game while tossing for 163, including two scores, one each way; and

 

Whereas, graduate tight end Tommy Washington led the way for the receiving core as he hauled in five catches for 64 yards, including the game-winning touchdown catch in the fourth quarter. Graduate Bryson Woodruff also brought in five receptions for 36 yards in the game; and

 

Whereas, defensively, the Wolves were led by junior Luke Taylor, who recorded five total tackles and an interception in the contest. Senior A.J. Valentine also recorded five tackles and a pass breakup. Graduate Chico Onyekwere hauled in what turned into the biggest interception of the Wolves' season as his pick set up the game-winning drive for Newberry; and

 

Whereas, though the Wolves received the opening kickoff, it wasn't until their second drive of the game that they were able to put the first points on the board. A trio of double-digit gains highlighted the drive for the Wolves, and it was capped off by a three-yard option run by Anderson, giving the Wolves a 7-0 lead. By the end of the opening half, the Newberry players had succeeded in adding another field goal to their own score while holding Mars Hill to just a touchdown. This effort gave the Wolves a 13-7 lead into the break. Near the end of the match, Newberry executed a misdirection pass play that ultimately gave the Wolves a 27-24 lead for good; and

 

Whereas, in addition, prior to the game, junior Carson Smith was named the SAC Wealth Enhancement Group Elite 23 award winner for earning the top GPA among student-athletes in the championship contest; and

 

Whereas, Head Coach Todd Knight fully utilized his own athletic prowess to build the Newberry championship football team that produced such a superb 2022 season. In so doing, he was ably supported by an outstanding staff of assistant coaches; and

 

Whereas, proud of these fine athletes, the House takes great pleasure in celebrating the members of the Newberry College football team on their capture of the SAC Championship. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate the Newberry College football team and coaches on winning the 2022 South Atlantic Conference Championship title, recognize the team's numerous accomplishments during the season, and extend best wishes for continued success in the days to come.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Maurice William Scherrens, president, and Head Coach Todd Knight of Newberry College.

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