PENSACOLA, Fla. – On Saturday afternoon the Argos will host Newberry for just the second time in team history. This time the game will decide who moves on to the final game of Super Region 2.
UWF (10-1) and Newberry (10-1) will face off on Saturday at PenAir Field at 1 p.m. in the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs. Last week the Argos dominated North Greenville in the first round with a 43-19 win. Newberry took down Kentucky State 45-24 to advance.
The history between the two teams doesn't run deep, but the one game played in the past was a memorable one that didn't end on the right side for the Argos. In 2021 Newberry traveled to Pensacola (then at Blue Wahoos Stadium) for a first round playoff game. Newberry won in overtime with a walk-off rushing touchdown in overtime to win 33-30.
In Saturday's second round game both teams enter with high-powered offenses and high-caliber quarterback play. UWF is averaging 39 points per game while Newberry scores 32 points per game.
UWF averages around 80 yards more per game of total offense over the Wolves much in part to the Argo rush offense. West Florida puts up 178 rushing yards per game and has scored 27 touchdowns in the effort this season. Newberry hasn't relied on the run as a major part of their offensive attack. The Wolves have attempted 298 rushes all season compared to 427 rush attempts by the Argos.
Newberry puts their trust in signal caller Reed Charpia who has started all 11 games this season and thrown for 2,970 yards and 26 touchdowns while completing over 70-percent of his passes.
UWF has had the ability to score quickly through the air led by quarterback
Marcus Stokes who averages over 281 passing yards per game. But the Argos have found a presence in their run game behind a steady offensive line and the running back tandem of
TJ Lane and
Jay Sharp. Last week the Argos imposed their will on North Greenville in the second half through the run game. UWF finished with 265 yards on the ground and five rushing touchdowns. Producing the same run success against Newberry will be a vital aspect for the Argos.
The game will be broadcast on ESPN + (subscription required) and on radio at ESPN Pensacola.
The winner of Saturday's game will play the winner of the Albany State vs Benedict game in the Super Region 2 title game.
