When asked to predict his team’s overall success in the upcoming season at UNCP’s football media day in early August, Braves’ head coach Pete Shinnick was optimistic but not too excited about the Black and Gold’s grueling 2008 slate.
“We’re only playing one team we beat last season in Webber International,” Shinnick said. “We have seven games against opponents that beat us. We definitely have our work cut out for us.”
Speaking in terms of off-season improvements, Shinnick said the Braves had picked up faster athletes within the signing class, including Jamal Williams, but early tests against Division I – FCS opponents Davidson and Jacksonville would provide the measuring stick toward a successful campaign.
So far, the Braves have aced both assignments with flying colors.
At the season’s halfway point, the Black and Gold hold a 3-1 record with surprising come-from-behind wins against a pair of quality opponents from the Pioneer League while narrowly missing a road win at Wingate on Sept. 13.
UNCP erased last season’s 55-10 loss to Jacksonville from memory on Sept. 20 at Grace P. Johnson Stadium with a 22-21 win over the Dolphins. The Braves forced five turnovers, including Caylon Hann’s fourth and fifth interceptions of the season.
“We’re starting to come together as a group and that’s big for us,” UNCP defensive end DeWayne James said, following his team’s narrow victory over the Dolphins. “We’re starting to click on both sides of the ball and that’s key for a successful season.”
The Braves are now in the midst of a two week road trip with travel arrangements to West Virginia Wesleyan and Webber International. UNCP will return home Oct. 18 to match up with Edward Waters for homecoming.
“Our guys are starting to believe in our system and they are starting to realize we’re a family,” Shinnick said. “Our defense has come together in our second season and we’re trusting in them late in the game.”
UNCP’s defense is much improved from a year ago, allowing just 13.2 points per game compared to 28.8 in 2007. Defensive coordinator Shane Richardson should be commended for masterminding a force that has 15 takeaways in four games, including 10 interceptions.
MID SEASON AWARDS
Offensive MVP - let's call this one a tie between quarterback Garrett Sutphen and running back Rashon Kennedy. Kennedy's four total touchdowns leads the team and Sutphen's remarkable second half against Jacksonville helped the Braves down the Dolphins 22-21. Sutphen is completing passes at an alarming 68 percent clip.
Defensive MVP - since this is an individual award I'llhave to give it to
Caylon Hann (I didn't forget yall defensive line). Originally slated at quarterback after transferring from Bethune-Cookman, Hann has found a home at safety for the Black and Gold and picked off five passes in four games. Caylon, let's take one of these interceptions to the house shall we?
Hardest Hitter - tough call for me on this one, but I'm giving it to
Bo Noah. The senior transfer from Catawba can been seen laying the wood at linebacker and on special teams; buckle your chinstrap when No. 52 comes runnin'.
INDIVIDUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Play of the Year - let's face it,
Taylor Baskett's game-winning field goal with a minute and some change remaining to beat Jacksonville resulted in the loudest cheer ever at Grace P. Johnson Stadium. Jamal Williams' 48-yard sideline scamper versus Brevard comes in a close second.
Did you see that - in case you missed it,
A.C. Boykin's baptizing hit on Jacksonville quarterback Josh McGregor Sept. 20 may have been the "We just put UNCP on the map" play of the season. Boykin blizted into the pocket, uncovered from his left cornerback position, and laid a viscious hit to McGregor's chin.
Catch of the Year -
Jamar Dials' 36-yard grab in the third quarter versus Jacksonville helped UNCP manufacture its first touchdown against the Dolphins. Blanketed by a JU defensive back, Dials' pulled in the floater pass for the first down in the Dolphins' 20-yard line.
A fabulous weekend of college football just unfolded before my very eyes.
