Newberry sets Division II record with eight-overtime win in SAC opener
In a thrilling South Atlantic Conference (SAC) opener, Newberry College emerged victorious in an eight-overtime game against Emory & Henry College, setting a new NCAA Division II record. The game, which took place on Saturday night in South Carolina, ended with a score of 25-23 in favor of Newberry.
This is the second consecutive season that the two teams have gone into overtime in the SAC opener. Last season, Newberry also came out on top, defeating Emory & Henry 26-23. However, this year’s matchup took the excitement to a whole new level.
The game went into overtime tied at 14, with both teams failing to score in the first extra period. They then traded field goals in the second overtime. From the third overtime onwards, the teams were required to attempt two-point conversions, with both teams succeeding in the third, sixth, and seventh extra periods.
It wasn’t until the eighth overtime that Newberry sealed the victory with a trick play. Wide receiver Andre Banks connected with quarterback Brayden Phillips on a reverse pass for the winning score.
Emory & Henry took an early lead in the first quarter with a 57-yard touchdown run by J’Quan Anderson. They extended their lead to 14-7 in the final period with a 9-yard pass from Charles Mutter to Tmahdae Penn. However, Newberry fought back, with Phillips connecting with Keith Desaussure on an 85-yard touchdown pass.
The game remained tied through multiple overtimes, with both teams trading touchdowns. Anderson put Emory & Henry ahead again in the sixth overtime, but Newberry quickly responded with a touchdown pass from Jy Tolan to Luke Clyburn IV in the seventh overtime. Finally, in the eighth overtime, Newberry’s defense stopped Emory & Henry, paving the way for the game-winning trick play.
Emory & Henry outgained Newberry in total yards, with 364 to 319. Charles Mutter threw for 196 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions for the Wasps. Cam Abshire led the receiving corps with five receptions for 71 yards. On defense, Addison Knicely stood out with nine tackles, including three tackles for loss and two sacks.
For Newberry, Brayden Phillips threw for 187 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Keith Desaussure led the team in receiving yards with seven catches for 104 yards.
With this historic win, Newberry improves to a 2-1 record in the season, while Emory & Henry falls to 2-1. Emory & Henry will have their first home game of the season next Saturday against Wingate, while Newberry looks to build on their success in future SAC matchups.
This eight-overtime thriller is sure to be remembered as one of the most exciting games in NCAA Division II history, showcasing the perseverance and determination of both teams.
