It remains to be seen exactly what damage Saturday’s last-second 37-34 loss to Union College will do to UVa.-Wise’s chances of earning a spot in the NAIA playoffs.
But it’s difficult to imagine the Highland Cavaliers going far in the postseason, even if they get there.
That’s not a knock against Wise’s passing attack. It’s prolific and capable of making any game interesting. Senior quarterback Randy Hippeard possesses a strong and accurate arm, is mobile enough to make plays, and he has a host of talented receivers with whom to work.
But that’s not enough to get it done in the playoffs.
Teams that win championships are solid in every facet of the game. They’re balanced on offense, stingy on defense and can make a big special-teams play if all else fails.
Wise is not that kind of team. The Cavaliers have too many holes, and, as Saturday’s tough loss revealed, even one of the nation’s best passing games isn’t enough to compensate for that against a good opponent.
Montana’s Carroll College has won five of the last six NAIA championships. Why? It’s not because the Fighting Saints are brilliant at any one thing, though they typically play defense better than anyone else in the country. They’re champions because they can do whatever it takes to win.
Carroll beat Sioux Falls last December in the championship game in Savannah, Tenn., in some of the most miserable weather conditions imaginable.
The Saints played tough defense, pounded the ball with their running game, completed just enough passes to keep their opponent honest, and made a couple of decisive plays in the kicking game.
With their high-powered offense grounded by weather and field conditions, the defending champion Cougars simply could not adjust.
In ideal weather conditions and on a fast track on Saturday, the Highland Cavaliers had similar issues.
Because the offense was unable to run the football, Union’s defense was able to pressure senior quarterback Randy Hippeard.
The Wise defense might stand tall for one series, but would give up a big scoring play on the next one.
And without a reliable kicking game – the visiting Bulldogs booted three field goals, including a 49-yarder; the Cavs didn’t attempt one, not even from close range – Wise is in a huge hole any time it’s in a close game. Ultimately, that was the difference on Saturday.
There’s no question Wise is a fun team to watch. With Hippeard and his receivers, the Cavaliers can score from anywhere on the field. They can make any game interesting.
But, to be a playoff and, ultimately, a championship team, Wise has to do more than put up big numbers in the passing game. It needs to strike a better balance between its offense, defense and special teams – and know that it can win a game with any one of them.
Only then will Wise be able to consistently beat the best the NAIA has to offer.
jcnockaert@bristolnews.com|(276) 645-2572
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