Box Score Big plays in all three phases sparked the Newberry College Wolves to a season opening 31-24 victory over the UVA Wise Highland Cavaliers in the season and South Atlantic Conference opener.

Two touchdown passes from Reed Charpia, a 96-yard kickoff return for a score by Quez Spells and a goal line stand tackle by Jonathan Sexton on the Newberry two-yard with just under two minutes left in the game were key factors in the Wolves' season opening victory.

Spell's return was the first kickoff return for a touchdown for Newberry since Chance Walker's 92-yard return against UNC Pembroke on November 2, 2019.

Charpia completed 18 of 22 for 201 yards, Keith Desaussure caught eight passes for 101 yards and a score, and Dwaine Wright added 56 yards rushing on nine carries.

Kicker Burke Nettles averaged 48.2 yards on five punts which included a 55-yard punt from the shadow of the Wolves end zone with just over a minute left in the game.  His net punt average was an astonishing 47.4 yards per punt.  He also had five touchbacks on six kickoffs and made his only field goal attempt of the game, a 24-yard field goal late in the second quarter to tie the game at 17 and made all four of his extra point attempts.

Tyleke Mathis and Devron Williams each had a punt return of at least 20 yards.

While UVA Wise outgained the Wolves in total offensive yards 459 to 276, the Wolves outgained the Highland Cavaliers 151-36 in return yards.

Newberry opens the home season Saturday night against Point (Ga.) at 7:00 p.m. at historic Setzler Field.

Head Coach Todd Knight postgame comments

"When it counted we made some big plays.  At the end of the day the kids showed a lot of heart and we had a big fourth quarter.  They made major improvements from the first game and I hope we can do the same."

"Reed (Charpia) played really well, so did Keith (Desaussure), but Burke (Nettles) kicked the ball in the end zone and punted the lights out."

"The numbers don't add up, but our kids have a lot of heart and they fight for each other and that's what got us the win tonight."