JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – No. 21 Carson-Newman (9-2, 5-2 South Atlantic Conference) is postseason bound for a second consecutive year and the 25th in the program's history. The Eagles, the no. 4 seed in Super Region II, will play host to a first round game against no. 5 Newberry Saturday, Nov. 23 at Burke-Tarr Stadium.
The appearance is Carson-Newman's 24th under Sparks. A game time has not officially been set yet.
C-N defeated the Wolves two weeks ago on senior day 52-31.
The Eagles scored on their first five possessions of that game to build a 35-0 lead before closing with an impressive 52-31 win over the Wolves.
Eagles' quarterback De'Andre Thomas (Milledgeville, Ga.) was impressive in the game against the Wolves as he went 11-for-17 for 200 yards and a touchdown. Brandon Baker (Miami, Fla.) led the C-N ground game with 140 yards and two scores on 10 carries. The Eagles rushed for 297 yards in the game.
Saturday's game with Newberry marks the 18th NCAA Division II playoff game played in Jefferson City. The Eagles are 16-1 in playoff games played within the friendly confines of Burke-Tarr Stadium. C-N has outscored its opposition in those home playoff contests 572-383, or an average of 33.63-22.52.
The only loss at Burke-Tarr in the playoffs came in 1997 in the semifinals when the Eagles lost to Northern Colorado 30-29. When you factor in Carson-Newman's NAIA playoff experience, this will be the 35th postseason contest played at Mossy Creek. In the NAIA days, the Eagles were 14-2-1 in playoff games held in Jeff City, making Carson-Newman a combined 30-3-1 in postseason contests played in either the old or new Burke-Tarr stadiums.
Saturday's game will be broadcast on the Eagle Sports Network. Pregame coverage begins one hour prior to kickoff with the Tailgate Show on Joy 620 (WRJZ-AM, Knoxville) and online at cneagles.com/live. A free high definition stream will be available for the game at the aforementioned web address.
For tickets, call 865-471-3396.