Newberry Secures SAC Football Championship With Win over Lenoir-Rhyne
NEWBERRY, S.C. - Newberry College racked up 434 yards of total offense while Tymere Zimmerman became the South Atlantic Conference's all-time leader in touchdown receptions as the 11th-ranked Indians reclaimed the Bishops Trophy, defeating Lenoir-Rhyne 45-21 on Saturday evening in front of a crowd of 3,981 at Setzler Field.
With the victory, Newberry (10-0, 6-0 SAC) virtually wraps up the SAC regular season championship. The Indians will travel to Clinton, SC for the annual Bronze Derby against Presbyterian next Saturday at 1:30 pm.
After Newberry went up 3-0 on a 22-yard field goal by Ryan Lukshis, the Indians used an 8-play 49-yard drive to go up 10-0 when Josh Stepp connected with Zimmerman on a 30-yard touchdown pass. The touchdown was the 35th in the career for the senior Zimmerman, breaking the tie he had with former Lenoir-Rhyne player Terrance Steward with 34.
The Bears (3-7, 1-5 SAC) strung together a 10-play 81-yard drive in the second to make the score17-7. Quarterback Justin Sanders lofted a 32-yard touchdown pass to Ronnie Edwards with 8:23 remaining before halftime.
The Indians would score a touchdown with 6:00 remaining in the second quarter when Stepp found Charles Brandon open in the end zone for a 10-yard score.
In the second half, the Newberry ground game got going as Alex Haynes scored on a five-yard run with 10:13 left in the third quarter. Fullback Cory Smalls capped off the Indians scoring when he plowed in from a yard and two yards out in the fourth quarter.
Stepp, completed 15-of-21 passes for 169 yards and two touchdowns. The senior also rushed for 74 yards and scored on a one-yard rushing touchdown. Zimmerman finished with five catches for 54 yards.
Newberry was led on defense by linebacker Will Newell, who finished with 14 tackles. Mike Grase and Levi Bennett each recorded interceptions on the night.
Sander finished 14-of-25 for 194 yards and two touchdowns. Pete Goodman caught three passes for 62 yards and a score.