Football Loses in NCAA Playoff Game

MARS HILL, N.C. - The Lions' football team lost to North Greenville 58-32 in the second round of the NCAA Division II Playoffs Saturday afternoon at the Ammons Family Athletic Center and Meares Stadium. Jonas Randolph broke the SAC career rushing record in the contest recording 200 yards on the ground.

On last play of game, Jonas broke the South Atlantic Conference record for career rushing yards held by Elon's Bobby Hedrick (5,604 yards from 1977-80). Jonas now has 5,608 from 2008-11. Mars Hill ends the 2011 campaign 8-3 overall. The Crusaders improved to 11-2 on the season.

Randolph averaged 5.3 yards per carry and one rushing touchdown and caught one pass for 21 yards and one score. Dimitri Holmes caught seven passes for 129 yards and two touchdowns to lead the receiving corps. Troy Harris led the Lion defense with 11 tackles (10 solo), two tackles-for-loss and a sack. Rudy Cabral followed with 10 tackles (8 solo) and the same number of tackles-for-loss. Marvin James had six stops and a fumble recovery.

Willy Korn led NGU to victory passing for 172 yards and one score and rushed for 92 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Nick Rosamonda led the Crusaders' defense with 10 solo tackles and an interception return for a 55-yard touchdown.

NGU outscored Mars Hill 7-3 in the first quarter and 16-13 in the second frame to enjoy a 23-16 lead at the intermission. Due to turnovers, NGU outscored the Lions 28-8 in the third stanza to seal the win. The Lions ended the game with four turnovers, all of which NGU converted into touchdowns. Mars Hill won the fourth quarter 8-7 to make the final tally, 58-32 in favor of the Crusaders.

MHC had a great season. In every game the team displayed a great deal of character, showed their opponents respect and represented their institution extremely well. Hats off to the players, coaching staff, trainers and medical staff and managers.

The Lions had the most wins since 1985, won the SAC regular season title, earned a playoff berth and saw several school and SAC records fall. Listed below are the records Mars Hill set during the 2011 campaign.

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS:
RUSHING
Yards Gained
SEASON - 2,170 by Jonas Randolph, 2011 (Also SAC record)
HIGHEST PER GAME AVERAGE - 197.3 by Jonas Randolph, 2011 (Also SAC record)
CAREER - 5,608 by Jonas Randolph, 2008-11 (Also SAC record)

Attempts
SEASON - 366 by Jonas Randolph, 2011.
CAREER - 982 by Jonas Randolph, 2008-11.

Touchdowns
CAREER - 53, by Jonas Randolph, 2008-11.

Most Games Gaining 100 Yards or More:
SEASON - 9, by Jonas Randolph, 2011
CAREER - 24, by Jonas Randolph, 2008-11.

Most Games Gaining 200 Yards or More:
SEASON - 6, by Jonas Randolph, 2011.
CAREER - 10, by Jonas Randolph, 2008-11.

PASSING
Attempts
SEASON - 290, by Ashley Abernathy, 1993; by Jon Richt, 2011.

Touchdowns
CAREER - 44, by Jon Richt, 2009-Present

RECEIVING
Catches
SEASON - 65, by Dimitri Holmes, 2011.

ALL-PURPOSE
Most Points Scored
SEASON - 114, by Jonas Randolph, 2009, 2011.
CAREER - 336, by Jonas Randolph, 2008-11.

Touchdowns
SEASON - 19 by Jonas Randolph, 2009, 2011.
CAREER - 56, by Jonas Randolph 2008-11.

KICK SCORING
Most PATs
CAREER - 150, by Michael Pinkerton, 2008-11 (Also SAC record).

PASSING
Best Completion Percentage - 54%, 1993; 53.9%, 2011.

TOTAL OFFENSE
Most Yards - 4,960, 2011.

FIRST DOWNS
Most First Downs - 266, 2011.

SCORING
Most Points Scored - 343, 2011.

MISCELLANEOUS
Most Wins - 8, 1980, 1985, 2011.

- Go Lions! -