BY TIM HAYES
BRISTOL HERALD COURIER
Amondre Johnson’s freshman season at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise has been full of highlights. However, last Saturday could be counted as a lowlight.
Union (Ky.) College used a field goal in the final seconds to collect a 37-34 victory over the Highland Cavaliers at Carl Smith Stadium, putting a major dent in UVa.-Wise’s chances at a berth in the NAIA playoffs.
“It was a really tough loss,” Johnson said. “Both teams knew it was going to be a championship-type game for a playoff berth. We struggled on defense and some on offense. We had a lot of big mistakes.”
UVa.-Wise (7-2) will look to rebound today, traveling to Williamsburg, Ky., for a key Mid-South Conference clash with the University of the Cumberlands (8-1). Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m.
A win will keep UVa.-Wise’s postseason aspirations alive, while a loss will all but put an end to the Cavs’ playoff hopes.
“This week is just as important, if not more important,” Johnson said. “They are a real good team. They have a lot of big weapons. We win this game and we still have a chance. That’s what we’re focusing on.”
Getting focused hasn’t been a problem for Johnson. The linebacker from Roanoke, Va. leads the team with 67 tackles, 8½ of which have been for a loss. He also has two sacks and two interceptions to his credit.
“It’s been a great opportunity and I’ve been put in a real good position,” Johnson said. “I just go out there and play and try to do my job.”
In fact, it didn’t take Johnson long to make an impact. In his first collegiate game – a 56-12 victory over Kentucky Christian on Aug. 28 – Johnson made five solo stops, recorded a sack and recovered a fumble. He earned Mid-South Conference player of the week honors.
“I felt really good after that game,” Johnson said. “It was good to get my first college game under my belt. I felt like they weren’t the best team, but it gave me a feel of what the college game was like and let me catch up.”
Johnson wasn’t around for last season’s clash with the Cumberlands, which ultimately ended Wise’s playoff hopes. The Cavs blew a 35-17 fourth-quarter lead and evnetully dropped a 41-38 decision in overtime.
Former Virginia High star Hunter Meade connected on the game-tying field goal at the end of regulation. Meade is back in his second season as the Cumberlands’ starting kicker and is 41-of-42 on extra points and has kicked two field goals.
NOTES: UVa.-Wise can win the 100th game in program history today. The Cavs are 99-83 since the school first formed a football team in 1991 … UVa.-Wise fell from 10th to 16th in the latest NAIA national poll. Cumberlands is ranked eighth nationally … UVa.-Wise is 5-0 on the road and the Cavs have won nine consecutive games away from Wise … UVa.-Wise closes out the regular season on Nov. 15 at home against Faulkner.
thayes@bristolnews.com|(276) 645-2570
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