The Mars Hill Lions nearly accomplished a goal that has eluded the club its entire history. The Lions came close to advancing to the SAC conference playoffs this month but fell to the Wingate Bulldogs on Nov. 7, 56-35, knocking the Lions out of contention.
The Lions entered the season with higher-than-usual expectations, having matched the school’s record for most wins in a season (7) during the 2008 season, The Lions returned four starters from the offense and seven starters from defense.
The Lions started the season winning six out of eight games. But the final two losses pulled conference playoffs out of reach. Jonas Randolph proved himself to be the best offensive player in the SAC (Southern Atlantic Conference) as he rushed for 233 and 191 in the two losses against Tusculum and Wingate.
Mars Hill entered the final two games ranked No. 5 in the Super-Region behind UNC-Pembroke, Carson-Newman, Albany State and North Alabama. The top six teams out of each region advance to the playoffs.
After losing to Tusculum, 38-28, the Lions still remained in fifth place. Playoff hopes depended on the final game of the season against Wingate.
The Bulldogs started the first quarter by scoring 21 straight points before Randolph answered with a score of his own. The Lion’s defense would force the Bulldogs to punt.
The offense opened up the second quarter with a score by quarterback John Richt making it a 21-14 game. Turnovers plagued the Lions and led to points for the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs continued to outscore the Lions through four quarters.
The Lions started the season by defeating Division 2 rival North Greenville, 28-0. Randolph led the charge by rushing for 189 yards on 21 carries. After a very convincing win over North Greenville, the Lions would fall to Division 1-AA opponent Gardner-Webb, 58-14.
After the very discouraging loss to Gardner-Webb, the Lions would host their first home game of the season against St. Augustine. Randolph rushed for 237 yards on a school record 43 carries as the Lions slid by St. Augustine 20-14. This victory helped build team momentum as it began conference play against the Catawba Indians.
The Mars Hill Lions began conference play against the Catawba Indians. Despite the wet weather, the Lions held the Indian’s rally in the fourth quarter. Randolph broke his own record with 44 carries, rushing for 241 yards.
After defeating the Indians in the conference opener, the Lions suffered a demoralizing lost at home against the Carson Newman Eagles, 55-28.
Next the Lions faced the Newberry Indians. Last season, the Lions defeated the Indians on homecoming. Seeking revenge, the Indians scheduled the Lions for their own homecoming. The Indians and the Lions battled through the entire game, but the Lions defeated the Indians once again. Randolph had another stellar performance as he complied 253 yards on 40 carries.
The Lions would then go on to win the next two games against Brevard and Lenior Rhyne. Mars Hill defeated Brevard 28-13. The Lions defeated Lenior Rhyne 24-7 for the MHC homecoming.
Although falling short of their initial goal, the Lions showed a lot of promise for the 2010 season. Mars Hill will graduate 10 seniors and return 14 starters. Mars Hill College had six all conference selections; two were named first-team offense, and two first-team honors on defense. Randolph was also named SAC Co-Offensive Player of the Year.
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