MARS HILL, NC -- Mars Hill University built up an early lead and then controlled the clock as they defeated UVA Wise 60-19 Saturday afternoon.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Result: Mars Hill 60, UVA Wise 19
Records: UVA Wise (1-8, 1-7 South Atlantic Conference); Mars Hill (5-5, 4-4 SAC)
Location: Mars Hill, North Carolina | Meares Stadium
HOW IT HAPPENED
- UVA Wise began the first quarter receiving the kickoff, but their initial drive was halted by a sack on
DJ Powell, resulting in a loss of 7 yards.
McCalan Beason completed a 7-yard pass to
Peyton McClanahan, yet the drive ended without a first down, leading to a punt by
Jake Marcantel. Mars Hill capitalized on their subsequent possession, scoring a touchdown and extending their advantage later in the quarter. Despite a promising 61-yard pass from Beason to
Kahlil Jones Jr., the ball was fumbled and recovered by the Lions, which maintained their momentum. The first quarter concluded with Mars Hill leading 17-0.
- The Cavaliers faced challenges in the second quarter, highlighted by a safety with 12:30 remaining, when Beason was sacked by Mars Hill's Sakarri Morrison. This extended the Lions' lead to 21-0. Despite these setbacks, the Cavs found a spark late in the quarter with Beason connecting on a 45-yard touchdown pass to Jones Jr., cutting into the deficit. However, the missed extra point left the score at 33-6. Mars Hill responded with another touchdown and a late field goal, concluding the half with a 43-6 lead.
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Braylon Henry provided a key defensive highlight for the Highland Cavaliers in the third quarter by intercepting a pass from Mars Hill's JR Martin at the Mars Hill 42-yard line and returning it 12 yards. Despite this turnover, the subsequent drive for UVA Wise stalled, ending with a turnover on downs at the Mars Hill 30-yard line. The Lions countered with a 70-yard touchdown run by Jon Gullette, extending their lead further. The quarter concluded with Mars Hill ahead, closing out the game with a score of 53-6.
- In the fourth quarter, the Cavs mounted a brief rally, highlighted by Beason's deep 41-yard pass to
Angelo Harper Jr., which set up a subsequent touchdown. Beason later connected with Harper Jr. again for a 20-yard touchdown pass at the 6:12 mark, narrowing the gap slightly. Despite these efforts, the Lions maintained control, responding with a touchdown of their own to extend their lead. The Highland Cavaliers added another score with a 5-yard rush touchdown by
Andon Rogers with 38 seconds left, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit. The game concluded with Mars Hill securing a 60-19 victory.
GETTING WISE
- Beason passed for 293 yards, completing 15 of 32 attempts with two touchdowns.
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Elijah Matthews led the defense with 10 tackles, while RaaPhell Mayes II had seven.
- Henry made a key defensive play with an interception, which he returned for 12 yards.
- Jones Jr. contributed significantly on offense with 106 receiving yards on two catches, including a touchdown.
- Harper Jr added in 84 yards and a touchdown.
UP NEXT
The Cavs will return home for Senior Day and the season finale against Emory & Henry on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. on the Beaty-Richmond Field at Carl Smith Stadium.
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