Newberry Takes Down West Florida in Second Round of NCAA Playoffs

PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Newberry Wolves went to West Florida and took down the Argonauts 24-17 in the second round of the NCAA Playoffs on Saturday afternoon. The Wolves will advance to the National Quarterfinal next weekend.

It didn't take the Wolves long to score as SAC Offensive Player of the Year Reed Charpia connected with Quez Spells on an 82-yard pass just 17 seconds into the game.

The Newberry lead swelled to 14-0 as Jonah Norris capped an 11-play, 65-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown with 3:43 left in the opening quarter.

After a UWF TD in the middle of the second quarter, Burke Nettles connected on a 26-yard field goal to make it 17-7.

West Florida would answer with a 41-yard field goal before the half to make it 17-10.

On the first drive of the second half, the Argonauts' Marcus Stokes hit Jake Robinette for a 22-yard TD connection to even the score.

It would remain tied until the 4:55 mark of the fourth quarter when Charpia head Keith Desaussure for a 22-yard TD.

The ensuing UWF drive would stall at Newberry's 28-yard line on a fourth down stand to send Newberry on to the Regional Final.

Charpia finished 27-of-44 for 416 yards and a pair of touchdowns to go with two interceptions. Desaussure hauled in seven passes for 107 yards as five players had at least 44 yards receiving.

Avery McFadden and Santory Jones each had interceptions for Newberry who improves to 11-1 on the season. Cody Jones added a sack and Jamar Blandin and Devron Williams each had nine tackles.

Newberry will take on Albany St. in the National Quarterfinal. They will play next Saturday at Albany St.