Eagles Set for Opener at Concord
Aug. 27, 2008
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - The fifth-ranked Carson-Newman Eagles begin their quest for a 20th South Atlantic Conference title on Thursday night in Athens, W.Va. when they face Concord University at Callaghan Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
The 2008 season opener puts an end to a long offseason, which saw the deserving Eagles left out of the 2007 NCAA Division II playoffs. C-N returns 21 starters from a squad that finished 10-1 and split the SAC title a season ago.
Junior Alex Good will lead an Eagle offense that returns the bulk of the weapons from a group that scored over 50 points per game against D-II teams last season. He finished the season playing his best football, leading the Eagles to 138 first-half points in the final four games.
Defensively, C-N will try to find replacements for the graduated Anthony Toribio (Miami Dolphins) and Eric Rice (2007 SAC Player of the Year).
The Eagles will have six All-SAC selections to lean on in the meantime, including five first-teamers. Defensive end Darius Wrentz and tackle Brandon Harmon, both first team selections, will start on the left side of the defensive line, which could be the strength of the Eagle defense.
Junior Jermel Demps was one of the biggest surprises of fall camp, and has played his way into a starting role at cornerback. Juniors Donte' Strickland and Lasanio Small also had quality camps, and could complete the right side of the defensive line. Strickland was a second team All-SAC selection who has not played since 2005, but he showed no signs of slowing during the preseason.
Carson-Newman faces a Concord squad Thursday night which suffered through a 1-10 season a year ago. The Mountain Lions lost four games by a touchdown or less, and they return only eight starters this season.
Quarterback Thomas Frazier will be back to lead the Concord offense. He threw for 1,509 yards last season, completing 56 percent passes, but he was intercepted 18 times. Linebacker Joe Thomas led Concord with 68 tackles a season ago.
Thursday night's opener could be decided in the trenches, where if last season's numbers hold true, the Eagles have a sizeable advantage. C-N rushed for over 300 yards per game, while the Mountain Lions posted just 90 per game.
If the Eagles survive Thursday night's opener, the national spotlight turns to Jefferson City next Thursday night. A nationally-televised showdown with #3 North Alabama, who opens Thursday night at home against Southern Arkansas, will be the marquee, non-conference matchup of the year.
NORTH ALABAMA TICKETS: Tickets are still available for Carson-Newman's home opener next Thursday night (Sept. 4) against #3 North Alabama in Burke-Tarr Stadium. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. For tickets, call (865) 471-3396.
THE Ken Sparks SHOW: The Ken Sparks Show will air Saturday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. on WBIR-Channel 10 (Knoxville). The show was moved up this week because of a telethon scheduled for Sunday night, but will return to its regularly schedule slot next Sunday night (Sept.7). It is scheduled to air at midnight throughout the season, flowwoing Sunday night football and the new on Knoxville's NBC affiliate.
NEWCOMERS: The Eagles will travel 26 freshmen to Concord Thursday night, only five of which are true. Redshirts Ben Miller (LB) and Elmore Maiden (S) could start. True freshman Carlos Lopez (could start his first college game by handling the extra points. Offensive tackle Matt Dickerson and running back Nate Inman could also play in their first college game as true freshman. Cornerback Marcus Huie and wide receiver D'Angelo Harden have made their way onto the two-deep and will also play.
RADIO/WEBCAST: The game will be broadcast on WRJZ (AM-620, Knoxville). Pregame coverage on the Eagle Radio Network begins at 6:30 with the Farm Bureau Countdown to Kickoff. Join The Voice of the Eagles, Zeke Beam and Jeremy Ball (Color) for the play-by-play. The game can also be heard via the internet. Just follow the Listen Live link at www.carsonnewmaneagles.com
