Crusaders to host Albany State in first round of Division II playoffs
Posted by The Skyliner on November 17th, 2011Billy Cannada
Senior Writer
For the first time in school history, the North Greenville football team has a chance to bring a NCAA Division II National Championship back to Tigerville.
The 23rd ranked Crusaders received an at-large bid to the Division II tournament last Sunday, capping a historical day for the North Greenville athletic program.
“It was an emotional moment,” said head coach Jamey Chadwell. “At a place like ours, this is a once in a lifetime experience. Being able to see them [the players] realize some goals and dreams was pretty awesome.”
The Crusaders will face Albany State in the first round, hosting their first ever Division II playoff game in Younts Stadium. Although it is a time for excitement, Chadwell says his team will have their hands full.
“They’ve probably got the best program in Georgia,” said Chadwell of his first round opponent. “It’s going to be a huge challenge for us, but we’re excited about having it here.”
The way the brackets are set up, North Greenville could possibly face a rematch with Mars Hill in the second round. Both teams finished with identical South Atlantic Conference records, and Chadwell says a rematch would be enticing.
“I don’t think we could have drawn up [the seedings] any better,” said Chadwell. “I know if we can get to that game our guys will be excited about playing them [Mars Hill].”
Quarterback Willy Korn, senior broadcast media, says the team has been dreaming bigger this season, and the teams goals are finally within reach.
“Last year was a productive year with the Victory Bowl, but this year we’ve had our sights set on something bigger this year,” said Korn. “We set a goal to make the Division II playoffs. That’s something that’s unheard of around here, because the school’s never been there.”
President Jimmy Epting says he hopes to have support from the entire state going forward.
“I think the alliance with the South Atlantic Conference gave us some good credibility,” said Epting. “We’re the only school in South Carolina that’s in the NCAA Division II playoffs so its’ time for the community and the state to get behind us. Lets whip those Georgia boys.”
“We expect to be playing on December 17 in the Division II championship game,” said Korn. “We’re not overlooking the first round game, but we’re ready to win this thing. It’s not enough just to be in the playoffs, we want to win the whole thing.”
Kickoff for round one is set for 12 p.m. this Saturday in Tigerville.
Tags: Fall 2011, Vol. 113 - Issue 9