Wolves Football Season Knocks Out Carson-Newman in 2022 Opener

The Wolves completed their season opener for the 2022 season with a 38-7 blowout win against Carson-Newman. This is their tenth consecutive season-opening victory.

Many friends, family, students and alumni came to support the Wolves as they head into the new season with high expectations.

Tailgating began at 5 p.m. where many organizations and UWG fans gathered before kickoff. There was music, food and games to enjoy.

“What we are experiencing just in pregame, in the Wolf Walk, where the band, cheerleading and football team come together is the best our community has to offer,” said Dr. Brendan Kelly, President of the University of West Georgia. “It is a positive energy and that is so important.

“2020 was rough; it was a time of us undeserving of your needs and expectations,” Kelly continued. “We have been trying so hard to bring back and make better what college can be.”

There is a positive outlook on the season as the team finished the 2021 season in the second round of the Division II NCAA playoffs. They were ranked among the top 15 in the country and 10^th nationally in the annual preseason Division II football poll.

“It’s the first game of the season, it’s always a big rush,” said Peter Debick, UWG alum. “People are like, ‘my favorite season is spring or summer.’ My favorite season is football.

“It’s going to be a litmus test for this team,” Debick continued. “Hopefully we come in, take care of business and show you what we can do this year.”

 The Wolves finished 2021 with a 9-3 season, while Carson-Newman went 1-9, failing to win multiple games.

“I couldn’t be more excited for this game,” said Kelly. “Coach Dean is so excited about this football team, which makes me excited to talk to so many of the players.

“They are hungry to be back on the field,” Kelly continued. “After last season, which was so successful with the NCAA experience, let’s go get it again.”

In the first half, the Wolves built a 10-0 lead. There were no other points scored in the first half but with quarterback Harrison Frost and his teammates working hard, the Wolves quickly built a large lead.

Number 13, Tay Huff, brought the score to 17-0 with a 39-yard touchdown pass.

Darius Clark scored the game’s final touchdown with less than three minutes remaining in the third quarter, bringing the score to 38-7.

“Since we opened up RA-LIN field here, you can count on one hand how many games I missed,” said Debick. “It’s basically in my backyard now.

“The games are fun and exciting, the team is fun and exciting,” Debick continued. “It is just always good to support West Georgia.”

 The Wolves are now 2-0 with their recent win against Morehouse on Saturday, Sept. 10 with a score of 42-0. Their next matchup will be Saturday, Sept. 24 against West Alabama.