Week Two: Football Travels to Shorter University
GAME DAY CENTRAL
Catawba at Shorter
Saturday, September 10, 2022
Rome, GA – Ben Brady Field
12:00 p.m.
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ROME, GA – The Catawba College football team looks to build off an impressive season-opening victory when they travel to Shorter University for a non-conference matchup with the Hawks this Saturday (Sept. 10) at noon.
Saturday will mark the first-ever meeting between Catawba College and Shorter University in football. Shorter is a member of the Gulf South Conference and made the transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II in 2012. They became a full member of the NCAA in the 2014-15 academic year. The Hawks went 3-8 last season with a winless mark of 0-7 in conference play.
Catawba Week Two Outlook
The Catawba College Indians showed off a polished ground attack in their week one win over Livingstone and will likely lean on that part of their game again in week two. Shorter was ranked 135th among 163 Division II schools last year in rushing defense as the Hawks allowed 2,101 yards on the ground for an average of 191 yards per game in 2021. Catawba's running back group consisting of Daniel Parker, Marquece Williams, LJ Turner, and Leroy Bracey Jr. were called on 44 times in the season opener, and they may be in line for another big workload tomorrow.
Freshman quarterback Kameron Hill got his first collegiate start in week one and will likely guide Catawba's offense again this week. The Pfafftown product attempted just 12 passes in the first game, but he threw for two touchdown scores to senior receiver Will Sheehan and tight end Kobe Christian. Shorter gave up just under 240 passing yards per game last season (125th) so, more passing opportunities could await the freshman signal caller in tomorrow's contest.
On defense, Catawba settled in after allowing over 100 yards of offense in the first quarter against Livingstone, and they did so by flying around, pressuring the quarterback, and forcing turnovers.
Linebacker Christian Campbell made two interceptions and returned one for a touchdown while freshman corner Zy Brown picked off a pass to end the first half. Catawba's defense recorded four pass break ups in the secondary, and the interior of the defense got pressure on a consistent basis. In total, the Indians collected five sacks and ten tackles for loss against Livingstone led by Jarius Johnson, who had a pair of sacks, and Joe Camara, who had one and a half quarterback sacks. Seven different players had TFL's and junior Jordan Gregg led the defensive unit with six tackles in the first game.
About the Hawks
Shorter defeated Brevard College, 45-6, in their first game of 2022 where they piled up 561 yards of total offense with 301 yards through the air and 260 yards on the ground. Starting quarterback Dennis Aeneas threw for 228 yards and four touchdowns to lead the offense, and wide receiver Dorian Anderson caught six passes for 104 yards and three scores. Running back Noah Holland rushed 16 times for 108 rushing yards and a score to lead Shorter's ground attack.
Defensively, the Hawks were led by freshman defensive back Artellious Edmonds who had a team-high six tackles, a tackle for loss, and a pass break-up. Graduate defensive back Cedric Lynch had five tackles and an interception. Shorter's defense also recorded seven tackles for loss in their week one win over Brevard.
On special team's Shorter only had to punt once in the entire game, but the Hawks missed two of their three field goal attampts. Those misses came on attempts of 25 and 46 yards.
About Catawba College Athletics
Catawba College Athletics has been a part of the College since its beginning in 1851. Baseball and tennis were among the first sports played at Catawba followed by football which started in 1906. Approximately 43% of Catawba's student body are student athletes competing on 23 NCAA Division II sports teams that offer more than 120 full athletic scholarships. Men's sports include Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, and Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field. Women's sports include Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Cross Country, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field, and Volleyball. Catawba College is located conveniently in Salisbury, NC and is ranked as one of the best regional colleges in the South. Find out more at gocatawbaindians.com.
About Catawba College
Founded in 1851, Catawba College is a four-year, private, liberal arts college conveniently located in Salisbury, N.C. Ranked as one of the best regional colleges in the South, Catawba is a learning community providing students unique opportunities to discover their vocation, calling, passions, and purpose as they prepare to reach their highest potential. The College offers more than 70 undergraduate and three graduate programs allowing students to explore diverse interests and create their own academic pathway. Additional information is available at catawba.edu.