Wardlow's Pick-Six Lone Highlight in Loss to UVA-Wise

SALISBURY, N.C. -- The UVA Wise defense overwhelmed Catawba, holding the hosts to just 40 total yards in posting a 30-7 win in South Atlantic Conference football action on Saturday afternoon at Shuford Stadium and Kirkland Field. The Cavaliers level their record at 5-5 overall and 4-4 in the SAC, while the Catawba Indians fall to 5-3 and 2-3.

The Cavaliers scored on their first two possessions to go up 14-0 in the first quarter. Lendon Redwine threw touchdown passes of 29 yards to Darrien Newton and 23 yards to Cam Blakely for the lead Wise would never give up. A Drew Cassidy 41-yard field goal put the visitors up 17-0 at the half.

Catawba got a spark to start the second half when Denoris Wardlow intercepted Redwine on the second play and returned the pick 39 yards for a score. That would be the highlight for Catawba, who amassed 40 yards on 48 offensive snaps. The Indians were held to minus-one yards on the ground. Brandon Thomas had three receptions for 25 yards.

Wise capped the scoring on two runs by Jaevon Gillespie, one for four yards and the second for 29 yards. He finished with 117 yards on 23 carries. Redwine went 23-of-41 through the air for 330 yards.

Catawba's defense came up with three interceptions. Dorrien Bagley and Izaiah Taylor joined Wardlow with picks. John Oxce had one of five Catawba sacks. Joe Camara, D'Verik Daniel and Tyrell Reid also posted sacks. Jeremiah Ferguson was in on nine tackles with three for losses.

Catawba travels to Lenoir-Rhyne next Saturday for a 1 p.m. meeting with the Bears. The game marks the 100th meeting of the long-time rivals.