Two teams heading in opposite directions meet Saturday when Wingate visits UVA Wise in the regular season football finale for both schools. The visiting Bulldogs have won 6-of-7 to have a 7-3 record while the Cavaliers enter the game at 2-8.
Wingate's strong play has been spearheaded by its defense. Head Coach Joe Reich's team leads the SAC and ranks fifth nationally in sacks per game at 3.5 while having the conference's second-ranked total defense allowing just 275.2 yards per contest.
Defensive end Marquise Fleming has lived in the opposition's backfield this fall. Fleming leads the conference in sacks (10) and tackles for loss (16.5) while teammate Daniel Morrison is fourth in the SAC in sacks with six while adding nine tackles for loss.
On offense, quarterback Brooks Bentley has been the most efficient passer in the country. The signal caller leads NCAA Division II in passing yards per attempt at 10.18. His favorite target has been Tremel Jones. The 5-foot-9 sophomore has multiple catches in eight games this season and enters Saturday's tilt with a team-high 41 grabs for 814 yards and seven touchdowns.
UVA Wise must win Saturday to avoid a consecutive 2-9 season. A week ago, the Cavs trailed 52-0 before finding the scoreboard in a 52-7 defeat to Carson-Newman. The performance followed a similar slow start at Mars Hill where Dane Damron's team was behind 42-0 before eventually falling 49-24.
Senior Jaevon Gillespie has rushed for a career-high 588 yards this fall and scored the 15th touchdown of his career last week. The Greeneville, Tenn. product has rushed for 1,611 yards on 294 carries in a Cavalier uniform. Freshman Tyreeck Hall has seen increased playing time in the backfield in recent weeks. Hall rushed for 32 yards on 10 carries against Carson-Newman after gaining 29 yards on 12 attempts at Mars Hill. The Winder, Ga. product broke off a season-long 25 yard run last week.
Saturday's game will be the fourth all-time meeting between Wingate and UVA Wise. The Bulldogs have won the first three meetings, including a 45-7 triumph in Wingate a year ago. The Cavs lone score in the game came on a 95-yard touchdown pass from Juwan Dent.
Prior to kickoff Saturday, UVA Wise will honor its seniors as part of the school's annual Senior Day celebration.
