By Ronnie Gallagher
rgallagher@salisburypost.com
It won’t have the same national interest as last year, but Catawba’s game at Mars Hill today will have an impact on who wins the South Atlantic Conference title in 2008.
The Indians (2-1) beat the Lions 45-21 in 2007 in front of a record crowd of 5,514 fans and a national television audience.
“We were able to win a big ballgame on a national stage,” Catawba coach Chip Hester said. “They probably feel they have a score to settle with us.”
Mars Hill enters today’s 1:30 p.m. conference opener at Mears Stadium with a veteran team and a 3-1 record, the only loss coming to Furman. And the Lions have plenty of senior leadership.
Running back George Washington and quarterback Rick Spradling have been playing for Tim Clifton for four years. He can also turn to a talented junior back in Chappell Rose.
“They have extreme talent in the running game,” Hester said. “Spradling did a nice job early in the game last year throwing the ball. Everyone will be picking Mars Hill to win, which they should.”
Mears Stadium has been renovated, and bleachers have been added to the visitor’s side. Hester said it is one of the SAC’s toughest places to play.
“They do a good job of protecting their home field,” he said. “Traditionally, they’re tough to play up there. A lot of the players we’re taking haven’t played at Mars Hill. It will be a tough task.”
Hester and Clifton know each other all too well.
“We can do without film and know what they’re going to do,” Hester said.
Catawba was off last week, so players had a chance to get over their bumps and bruises.
It also gave Hester a chance last Saturday to attend two birthday parties with his children and get in nine holes of golf.
“It’s kinda nice to have an open week to prepare for your conference opener,” Hester said. “The coaches are recharged. The players are recharged.”
Hester likes the way his defensive line is playing.
“Our defense is better up front than last year,” he said. “A key will be what we do against their running game. If they have a guy getting 150 yards, we’re in trouble.”
Hester is asked often who Catawba’s rival is. He always points toward western North Carolina.
“It has always been a very hard-fought, physical football game,” Hester said of the encounters with Mars Hill. “It’s the knid of game you want to play in.”
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NOTES: Catawba is back in the national rankings at No. 23. … Catawba has won 11 of the last 12 meetings with Mars Hill.