Appalachian Division Crown Stays in Waleska For Fifth-Straight Year

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

Photo Courtesy of Al Levine

WALESKA, Ga. – No. 9 Reinhardt claimed its fifth-consecutive Appalachian Division title within the Mid-South Conference (MSC) in emphatic fashion after handling the Knights of Kentucky Christian, 42-14, on Senior Day inside Ken White Field at University Stadium.

The Eagles' perfect season continued (8-0, 6-0 MSC) after they poured in 549 yards of offense and soared out to a 21-0 lead in the first 12 minutes – then scored 14 more tallies in the second quarter – to blow the NAIA Football Game of the Week wide open with a 35-0 halftime score.

The Knights, who were receiving votes nationally, had no answers on either side of the ball in the loss, but did get a pair of touchdowns in the fourth period.

"Great win, and I am super proud of all our players and coaches as they sacrificed a lot to make this happen," head coach James Miller said. "I'd also like to thank Dr. Roberts, Bill Popp, Jeffrey Pourchier and our entire athletic training staff; they did a phenomenal job. I thought on both sides of the ball and on special teams we came ready to play and started off on fire. I thought Billy played really well and Navarie was making a lot of plays for us. The boys up front were striking off the ball and opening up holes all over the field – proud of their effort.

"On defense, we shut down a really good offense and running back, so I'm excited the way they are playing. Special teams was solid and did a really good job on kickoffs. I'm just so proud of these kids and our staff. They put so much work in to make this happen and it's all about them. I love this football team… It's all about we, it's all about us."

Electricity was in the air as the hometown team stepped onto the field with a new level of determination as the division was up for grabs on its home turf. The Eagles would promptly drive down for a touchdown in less than four minutes – capped off by a 23-yard scamper to the end zone by Dylan Kelly.

Another drive, another score, as Reinhardt got the ball back and went back into the paint just a couple minutes later compliments of Terrance Roberts from two yards out. He was later joined in the end zone by Isaiah Blake from two yards out as well after Kentucky Christian fumbled the snap deep in its territory on a punt attempt.

The 21-0 advantage continued to grow in the second quarter after an 82-yard drive was capped off by a 1-yard score from Otis Odom. Kelly was then able to get back in the end zone from two yards away for a 35-0 lead at the break.

Neither team would score in the third and the Eagles' points were wrapped up by Devyn Collins' 3-yard touchdown in the second minute of the final quarter for a 42-0 count on the scoreboard. The Knights were able to get back-to-back touchdowns as the hosts poured in key reserves and role players to the field.

Billy Hall finished 15-for-22 with 252 yards through the air, and Navarie Solomon grabbed seven passes for 143 yards, with a long of 58. Roberts also added 62 yards receiving in the win.

Ten players had at least two carries on the day for Reinhardt, and Luis Morris earned 69 yards on the ground on seven rushes.

The Eagles finished with 289 yards on the ground.

Defensively, Kenneth Lowery led the team in tackles with 10, including a sack. Three others had at least five stops.

The team now awaits word on seeding for the NAIA Football Championship Series – with the NAIA Football Selection Show for the event taking place on Sunday, April 11 at 7 p.m.

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