Carson-Newman Set To Begin Playoff Run Against West Alabama
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - When talking about the series history between Carson-Newman and West Alabama, there's not much to mention.
The Eagles and Tigers have only met on the gridiron one time, which was in the semifinals of the 1972 NAIA playoffs. At the time, West Alabama was known as Livingston State.
"We played right here at Mossy Creek," C-N head coach Ken Sparks recalled. "I was the offensive coordinator here under (former C-N head coach) Dal Shealy. It was a rainy, muddy night and the game was tied at 7-7 at the end of regulation."
"There was no overtime. If you were tied, it went back to a formula they had. We won that game on how many times we penetrated their 20-yard line versus how many times they penetrated our 20-yard line."
Sparks and the second-seeded Eagles (9-2) are set to take on sixth-seeded West Alabama (8-4) for the first time since that win nearly four decades ago on Saturday in the second round of the NCAA Division II Playoffs. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. in Burke-Tarr Stadium.
Sparks said it's time for his team to refocus and regroup for the beginning of a new season.
"It's always an exciting time to start a new season," said Sparks, who has led C-N to 22 postseason berths. "It is a fresh start, and that's the way we approach it. Everybody comes to Carson-Newman because of the playoff tradition and focus that we have as a program. We've taken the first step, and now we need to take the second step."
No. 10 C-N enters Saturday's matchup riding a nine-game winning streak. The Eagles closed out the regular season with a decisive 70-35 victory over South Atlantic Conference rival Tusculum as they set school records in total offense (803) and rushing yards (671) in the win.
Despite finishing the regular season as one of the hottest teams in the nation, Sparks said the Eagles needed last week's bye for obvious reasons, as his team played 11 straight weeks without a break.
"I think it was critical because we had played 11 straight weeks and our kids had not had a chance to catch their breath," said Sparks, who has a 34-16-1 postseason record. "I hope they know how to catch their breath and come back and are ready to go. We think a week's rest helps us."
West Alabama is coming off the two biggest wins of its season. The Tigers, who have won five out of their last six games, wrapped up regular season play with a 31-28 win in four overtimes at then-No. 1 North Alabama. West Alabama then traveled to third-seeded Albany State last week and came away with a 24-22 victory to advance to the second round of the playoffs for just the second time in school history.
"They are a team on a roll," Sparks said. "They are doing a lot of things well right now."
The Tigers will look to keep doing damage with their spread option attack on offense. West Alabama ranks 26th nationally in total offense with an average of 416.1 yards per game, and Sparks said his squad better be prepared for the Tigers' overall team speed.
"I think that's their strength," Sparks said of West Alabama's speed. "They are spreading the field and are trying to get playmakers in space and they are very successful at doing that."
Leading the way for West Alabama is junior quarterback Deon Williams. The Tuscaloosa, Ala., native has thrown for 2,481 yards and 20 touchdowns. He has also proved to be dangerous on the ground, rushing for 326 yards and six scores.
"They have a playmaker at quarterback," Sparks said of Williams. "He's capable of running and throwing to beat you."
Defensively, the Tigers will line up in the 3-3-5 and are led by senior defensive back J.D. Douglas. A first team All-Gulf South Conference selection, Douglas has a league-best 122 tackles this season.
West Alabama has been one of the best in the nation at forcing turnovers this season. The Tigers rank 18th nationally with 29 turnovers forced.