SALISBURY – Catawba scored 21 unanswered points across the second half to defeat Mars Hill 42-28 on Friday night at Shuford Stadium. The Indians improved to 5-1 overall and 3-1 in conference play, while the Lions dropped to 3-2 and 2-1.
The game featured five lead changes and was tied 21-21 at halftime before Catawba's offense found its rhythm after the break.
Preston Brown completed 17 of 27 passes for 207 yards and three touchdowns for Catawba, adding a rushing score despite losing nine yards on the ground. His ability to spread the ball around proved crucial, connecting with eight different receivers. Brown found the end zone through the air on throws of 13 yards to Kevin Lalin, 26 yards to Marquece Williams, and 18 yards to Jalen Brown.
The real story for Catawba was Lalin's performance on the ground. The running back carried 25 times for 173 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-sealing 26-yard touchdown run with 2:41 remaining in the fourth quarter. Lalin added a receiving touchdown and consistently moved the chains, averaging 6.9 yards per carry.
Mars Hill quarterback JR Martin put together an impressive stat line in a losing effort, completing 25 of 40 passes for 307 yards and three touchdowns. However, he threw one interception and was sacked three times for 40 yards in losses. Martin also rushed for a touchdown but managed just one net yard on 11 rushing attempts after losing 42 yards to sacks and negative plays.
The Lions opened the scoring with an 84-yard drive capped by a 62-yard touchdown pass from Martin to Edward Louis Jr. The connection tied the game at 7-7 just 1:35 after Catawba had taken an early lead. Louis Jr. finished with four catches for 90 yards and the touchdown.
Charlie Guinade emerged as Martin's favorite target, hauling in seven passes for 78 yards and a 31-yard touchdown that tied the game at 21-21 with 47 seconds left in the first half. Guinade also returned one punt for 12 yards.
The first half featured explosive plays and quick-strike scoring. Neither team punted until late in the second quarter, as the offenses combined for six touchdowns in the first 30 minutes. Mars Hill's David Hargro caught a three-yard touchdown pass to cut Catawba's lead to 21-14 in the second quarter, part of a 10-play, 75-yard drive that consumed 5:26.
Catawba's defense made the critical difference after halftime. Evan Simons led all defenders with 12 total tackles, including three tackles for loss totaling 31 yards. Simons recorded two sacks for 28 yards and intercepted Martin's pass in the first quarter, returning it 23 yards to set up the Indians' first touchdown. His quarterback pressure disrupted Mars Hill's timing throughout the second half.
The turning point came midway through the third quarter. After Mars Hill failed to sustain any offensive momentum following the halftime intermission, Catawba mounted a 10-play, 78-yard drive that culminated in Brown's 26-yard touchdown pass to Williams. The score gave Catawba a 28-21 lead with 3:22 left in the third quarter, and Mars Hill never recovered.
Early in the fourth quarter, Brown connected with Jalen Brown for an 18-yard touchdown on a six-play, 65-yard drive, extending the lead to 35-21. Mars Hill responded with Martin's eight-yard rushing touchdown to pull within 35-28, but the Lions couldn't get stops when they needed them most.
Catawba converted eight of 13 third-down attempts and went 4-for-4 in the red zone, scoring touchdowns on all four trips inside the 20-yard line. Mars Hill went 3-for-3 in the red zone but struggled on third down, converting just four of 12 attempts. The Lions also failed on all three fourth-down tries.
Bo Pryor led Catawba's receivers with seven catches for 72 yards, consistently finding soft spots in Mars Hill's coverage. Bennett Galloway added 50 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, providing a complementary rushing threat to Lalin's dominance.
Catawba controlled time of possession, holding the ball for 34:03 compared to Mars Hill's 25:57. The Indians outgained the Lions 425 to 366 in total offense and rushed for 218 yards on 43 attempts.
Bryson Sims handled all kicking duties for Catawba, converting all six extra points and averaging 62.7 yards on seven kickoffs with four touchbacks.
Key Performers:
- Kevin Lalin (CAT): 25 rushes for 173 yards and 2 TDs; 1 catch for 13 yards and 1 TD
- Evan Simons (CAT): 12 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 INT
- JR Martin (MHU): 25-40 passing, 307 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT; 1 rushing TD
- Preston Brown (CAT): 17-27 passing, 207 yards, 3 TDs; 1 rushing TD
- Charlie Guinade (MHU): 7 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD
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