GSC Club Football Advances to NCFA National Championship Game in Pennsylvania
By Karolina Philmon, GSC Marketing Manager
Gordon State College Club Football is heading to Waynesburg, Pennsylvania for the National Club Football Association (NCFA) National Championship game against Ohio State University on Saturday, Dec. 3, at Waynesburg University’s Wiley Stadium.
In November, GSC Club Football claimed the South Atlantic Conference Championship title for the second year in a row after a 20-12 defeat over Columbus State University. That win advanced the team to the semi-final national game against Sacred Heart University in Fairfax, Virginia where they secured a 55-7 win at RAC field on the campus of George Mason University.
GSC Club Football Head Coach Kevin Adkins said the team “came out red hot scoring on six straight drives” to take a 41-0 lead going into halftime in the national semi-final game on Nov. 19 against Sacred Heart University. Quarterback Neal Howard completed a pass to every receiver including a 35-yard touchdown to tight end Jake Lavinka.
“Offensively, the Highlanders performed the best overall game for the season by rushing for 254 yards and throwing for 212 yards,” Adkins said. “The Highlanders defense had a great performance where they held one of the nation-top rushing attacks to under 100 yards limiting Sacred Heart to only seven points.”
Ohio State Club Football press release published on Nov. 28 said the Highlanders have posted a “whopping 29 sacks this season and an astounding 16 interceptions.” Jamarco Hughes and Antoine Johnson Jr. have each collected four picks this season while Isaiah Johnson leads GSC with an even 40 tackles this season.
GSC enters the national championship game 11-1 and has the nation’s best defense, according to Adkins, holding opponents to 8.3 points per game.
“It has been a great year, and we appreciate all the fans coming out and showing their support,” Adkins said. “I’m proud of the dominate team we have. I’ve always stressed to them to find a way to win the Highlander Way. I’m looking forward to winning the national championship this Saturday.”
The NCFA National Championship game against Ohio State University on Saturday, Dec. 3, will kick-off at 1 p.m. The game will be available for livestream with Varsity Sports Now. GSC will also have a viewing party for all students, faculty and staff at the Student Center Auditorium on the Barnesville campus.
“I am so proud of our student athletes and coaching staff as they represent Gordon State on a national stage playing for the NCFA National Championship,” said GSC Dean of Students, Dr. Matthew K. Robison. “The team has worked so hard to reach this top-tier level of success. I can’t wait for them to bring the national title back to Barnesville, Georgia!”