2011 Football Headlines

May 10, 2012
Huntingdon joins USA South Athletic Conference
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Huntingdon College President J. Cameron West announced today that Huntingdon will join the NCAA-Division III USA South Athletic Conference beginning in the fall of 2013. Huntingdon and Covenant College (Ga.) were approved as members at a meeting of the USA South presidents yesterday. Current USA South members are Averett University (Va.), Ferrum College (Va.), Greensboro College (N.C.), Mary Baldwin College (Va.), Meredith College (N.C.), Methodist University (N.C.), N.C. Wesleyan College (N.C.), William Peace University (N.C.), and the conference's newest members, LaGrange College (Ga.), Piedmont College (Ga.), and Maryville College (Tenn.).

May 2, 2012
Huntingdon’s Swift named to NFF Hampshire Honor Society
DALLAS – Huntingdon offensive lineman A.J. Swift was named to the 2012 National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame's Hampshire Honor Society on Wednesday. A total of 721 players from 232 schools, including Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III from Baylor and Stanford's Andrew Luck, were selected. Joining Swift from the state of Alabama are Auburn University's Barrett Trotter and Troy University's Jamie Hampton.

April 28, 2012
Huntingdon’s Pearcy signs free-agent contract with Falcons
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Cody Pearcy didn't become the first Huntingdon football player picked in the NFL Draft on Saturday. But he did become the first Hawk to sign with a NFL team.

April 25, 2012
Pearcy draws praise from former NFL head coach Bill Parcells
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Huntingdon senior Cody Pearcy is continuing to gain attention as the NFL Draft approaches. In addition to coverage from newspapers, television stations and radio programs across Alabama and Georgia, the Phenix City native is continuing to gain national exposure as well. Tuesday night, former NFL head coach Bill Parcells brought up Pearcy's name on ESPN as a potential sleeper pick in this weekend's NFL Draft. Parcells' mention of Pearcy has created interest on message boards, Facebook and Twitter.

April 17, 2012
2011-12 Huntingdon Athletic Awards

April 15, 2012
Huntingdon offered best of both worlds for Swift
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – When someone asks Huntingdon senior A.J. Swift what he did over the summer, they probably don't get the answer they were expecting. After all, how many college students can answer that they participated in the Department of Energy Nuclear Chemistry Summer School at Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York? Or, that they were an Applied Chemistry Intern for ASRC Aerospace at Kennedy Space Center? Swift has done both, traveling to New York last summer and Kennedy Space Center during the summer between his freshman and sophomore years at Huntingdon.

March 26, 2012
Huntingdon's Pearcy and Anthony generating interest from NFL and CFL scouts
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Huntingdon seniors Cody Pearcy and Keith Anthony were record setters during their four seasons with the Hawks' football program. Pearcy set the standard for Huntingdon receivers and owns the program's career marks for receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. On the opposite side of the ball, Anthony was equally impressive as a defensive back and finished his college career as Huntingdon's career leader in interceptions and second all-time leading tackler. Now, the two hope to become the first Huntingdon football players to reach the professional level.

March 7, 2012
Huntingdon’s Turk named to Troy University Hall of Fame
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Huntingdon head football coach Mike Turk was recently selected to the Troy University Athletic Hall of Fame. Turk and 10 other current or former Trojans were announced as the inaugural class by Troy athletic director Steve Dennis on Tuesday. Joining Turk in the first class are former Troy President Ralph Adams, former football coach Billy Atkins, current football coach Larry Blakeney, former quarterback Sim Byrd, current men’s basketball coach Don Maestri, Vergil Parks McKinley (Troy’s first football coach), former women’s basketball player Denise Monroe, former track and field standout Charles Oliver, former baseball coach Chase Riddle and former Troy defensive end and current Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware.

March 1, 2012
Huntingdon football schedule set for 2012
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Huntingdon College athletic department officially released its 2012 football schedule on Thursday. The Hawks’ schedule features six teams from the 2011 schedule, two 2011 playoff teams and two teams Huntingdon will be playing for the first time. The Hawks’ seven NCAA Division III opponents combined for 47 wins last season.

January 20, 2012
Huntingdon’s Rader named head football coach at Maryville
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Huntingdon assistant football coach Mike Rader was announced as the head coach at Maryville College on Friday. Rader spent eight seasons with the Hawks, joining the program during its second season of competition. As the receivers coach, he was part of 51 victories in 78 games.

January 15, 2012
Huntingdon trio looking forward to second All-Star opportunity
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Huntingdon seniors Willie McDowell, Cody Pearcy and Keith Anthony each enjoyed their first experience in an All-Star football game in December. On Monday, the three will have a chance to play in another All-Star game -- the Hansen Bowl. “It’s always exciting to be able to go play football,” McDowell said. “This game has an established tradition and it’s a great opportunity to be able to play in it. With the amount of talent on the rosters, it’s a great chance to see how you match up with some of the best in the country. “There are a lot of us that hope this game will help us get noticed. You don’t know what is going to happen, but I hope I can make the most of this opportunity.”

December 17, 2011
Huntingdon’s Anthony named Defensive Player of the Game in All American Bowl
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Huntingdon safety Keith Anthony stepped on to Mall of America Field on Saturday, appreciative of one more opportunity to play football. Playing in the All American Bowl at the Metrodome, the Eclectic native tried to soak in the atmosphere with Huntingdon receivers Willie McDowell and Cody Pearcy. A few hours later, Anthony was being congratulated for being named Defensive Player of the Game for the Stripes team.

December 17, 2011
Huntingdon’s Chappell earns All-American recognition
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Defensive tackle D.J. Chappell stepped into a leadership role for the Huntingdon football team this season. Chappell raised his level of play as a junior and became one of the Hawks’ leaders on the field and off. His success was recognized on Saturday with the release of the D3football.com All-American teams. Chappell was named honorable mention All-American and is the first Huntingdon football player to earn a position on the list.

December 16, 2011
Huntingdon’s Anthony, McDowell and Pearcy set to play in All American Bowl
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Playing in an NFL stadium is something most football players grow up dreaming about. It’s certainly something Cody Pearcy thought about when he was growing up in Phenix City. Keith Anthony and Willie McDowell had the same dreams when they were growing up in Eclectic. On Saturday, the three Huntingdon College seniors will get that opportunity when they take the field at the Metrodome as part of the 16th annual All American Bowl.

December 5, 2011
Huntingdon’s Chappell, Manuel and Anthony earn All-Region honors
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Huntingdon defensive tackle D.J. Chappell made an impression this season. A dominant force from the start, Chappell drew extra attention from opposing teams. The junior’s play also drew attention from D3football.com. With the release of the D3football.com All-South Region Team on Monday, Chappell became the first Huntingdon player to earn first-team All-Region recognition.

November 12, 2011
Huntingdon football season ends at 7th-ranked Wesley
DOVER, Del. – The Huntingdon Hawks knew they had a tough challenge in front of them on Saturday. Facing seventh-ranked Wesley College at Scott D. Miller Stadium, the Hawks entered the game with hopes of an upset and a possible playoff berth. The Wolverines ended those hopes with a 41-point first half and a 54-13 win over the Hawks.

November 11, 2011
Potential playoff berth at stake as Huntingdon football travels to 7th-ranked Wesley
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Defensive tackle D.J. Chappell didn't hesitate when answering a reporter's question earlier this week. Asked about the implications of Saturday's game at seventh-ranked Wesley College, Chappell's answer was straight to the point. "If we lose this game, we're not going to the playoffs," Chappell said. "We have to win to have a shot to get in."

November 11, 2011
Huntingdon’s Pearcy in the running for top Receiver Performance of the Year
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Huntingdon receiver Cody Pearcy has received national attention for his record-setting performance against LaGrange College. Pearcy’s six catches for a school-record 233 yards and a school-record-tying three touchdowns helped the Hawks beat LaGrange 45-10. Now, Huntingdon fans can do something to help Pearcy.

November 8, 2011
Huntingdon receiver Cody Pearcy named to D3football.com Team of the Week
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Cody Pearcy took less than a minute to make his first big play against LaGrange on Saturday. The 69-yard touchdown reception, 56 seconds into the game, was a hint of things to come. By the end of the third quarter, Pearcy had turned in one of his best performances as a Huntingdon Hawk. The senior receiver finished with six receptions for 233 yards and three touchdowns to set or tie four school records in a 45-10 victory. Pearcy’s performance helped him earn a spot on this week’s D3football.com Team of the Week.

November 5, 2011
Big plays and a record-setting day lead Huntingdon past LaGrange
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Huntingdon head coach Mike Turk challenged his team at halftime Saturday. A fast start had been followed by a turnover-plagued performance in the first half. Nursing a four-point lead going into the third quarter, Turk wanted to see a better performance in the second half. Huntingdon responded by scoring 31 unanswered points and closing out Senior Day with a 45-10 win over LaGrange.

October 22, 2011
Huntingdon gets back on track with win over Webber International
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – There was only one acceptable outcome for the Huntingdon football team on Saturday. Coming off a disappointing loss to nationally-ranked Trinity University last week, the Hawks needed to bounce back with a win against Webber International University. The Hawks scored four first-half touchdowns and sealed the game with two fourth-quarter touchdowns to knock off Webber 42-28 at Samford Stadium.

October 15, 2011
Huntingdon’s Top-20 winning streak ends at 18th-ranked Trinity University
SAN ANTONIO – The Huntingdon football team put together some impressive wins during the past month. The Hawks knocked off then-14th ranked Hampden-Sydney on Sept. 24 and took down then-11th-ranked Wittenberg last week. But on Saturday, 18th-ranked Trinity University was too much for Huntingdon to overcome. Trinity scored three times in the first half and took advantage of some crucial turnovers to beat Huntingdon 24-7.

October 11, 2011
HUNTINGDON RUNNING BACK TREVOR MANUEL NAMED TO D3FOOTBALL.COM TEAM OF THE WEEK
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Huntingdon running back Trevor Manuel is no stranger to success and accolades. Through six games, Manuel ranks ninth in Division III with 187 all-purpose yards per game, is in the Top-20 in scoring with 11 total touchdowns and ranks 31st with 110.5 rushing yards per game. The junior is a key reason the Huntingdon offense is ranked fifth in Division III, averaging 503.5 yards per game. When Manuel learned he had been named to the D3football.com Team of the Week on Tuesday for his performance against Wittenberg, he took it in stride. Manuel’s first question after hearing the news said a lot about his priorities and team attitude.

October 8, 2011
HUNTINGDON HANDLES 11TH-RANKED WITTENBERG ON HOMECOMING
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Huntingdon running back Trevor Manuel has had some big games during his career at Huntingdon. Saturday’s performance was the biggest yet. Manuel scored four touchdowns and accounted for 236 all-purpose yards as the Hawks beat nationally ranked Wittenberg 38-20 on Homecoming. Wittenberg was ranked No. 11 in the American Football Coaches Association’s poll and 14th in the D3football.com poll.

October 1, 2011
HUNTINGDON TAKES CONTROL EARLY AND LETS SUBS GAIN EXPERIENCE AGAINST AVE MARIA
NAPLES, Fla. – Huntingdon rolled up more than 200 yards of offense and scored three times in the first quarter to set the tone in Saturday’s 42-7 win over Ave Maria. The Hawks took control quickly and began substituting freely in the win over the first-year NAIA football program.

September 28, 2011
ALFA INSURANCE® PROUDLY RECOGNIZES CODY PEARCY AS THE HUNTINGDON COLLEGE STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Huntingdon receiver Cody Pearcy had a knack for finding the end zone in the first half against Hampden-Sydney on Saturday. The senior scored three times on four catches in the first half to help spark the Hawks in a 34-27 win over the nationally ranked Tigers. The preseason All-American is this week’s ALFA Insurance® Student-Athlete of the Week.

September 27, 2011
HUNTINGDON SAFETY JUSTIN BROWN EARNS SPOT ON D3FOOTBALL.COM TEAM OF THE WEEK
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Senior Justin Brown helped the Huntingdon defense set the tone early in Saturday’s 34-27 win over Hampden-Sydney. Facing the nationally-ranked Tigers, Brown and the Huntingdon defense frustrated quarterback Travis Lane and the potent Hampden-Sydney offense. Brown picked off two passes, the Huntingdon defense forced five turnovers and the Hawks knocked off a Top-25 team for the first time in program history. Hampden-Sydney was ranked No. 22 in the D3football.com poll and 14th in the American Football Coaches Association poll. Brown’s performance was recognized on Tuesday when he was named to D3football.com’s national Team of the Week. Brown was one of two safeties chosen to the team.

September 24, 2011
HUNTINGDON KNOCKS OFF HAMPDEN-SYDNEY TO PICK UP FIRST WIN AGAINST TOP-25 COMPETITION
Montgomery, Ala. – The Huntingdon College football program has never backed away from a challenge. In past seasons, the Hawks have stepped up to play nationally ranked Division III programs. Before this season, Huntingdon had never been able to take advantage of the opportunity to pull out a win against a Top-25 program. Behind five touchdowns in the first half and a strong defensive effort, the Hawks knocked off Hampden-Sydney 34-27 at Samford Stadium on Saturday.

September 20, 2011
HUNTINGDON’S POSEY NAMED DIVISION III QUARTERBACK OF THE WEEK
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Huntingdon College quarterback Neal Posey helped guide the Hawks to a 48-41 win over Faulkner University on Saturday. In the process, the junior turned in one of the best performances by a quarterback in Huntingdon history. Posey completed 31-of-43 passes for 439 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions. His final touchdown strike, with 37 seconds left in the game, put the Hawks ahead for good. On Tuesday, D3football.com recognized Posey for his performance by naming him the quarterback on its nationwide Team of the Week.

September 17, 2011
HUNTINGDON OUTLASTS FAULKNER IN CAPITAL CITY SHOWDOWN
Montgomery, Ala. – Quarterback Neal Posey connected with Cody Pearcy in the final 40 seconds to lead the Huntingdon Hawks to a 48-41 comeback win over Faulkner University on Saturday. The 25-yard touchdown strike with 37 seconds left and a defensive stand in the final 31 seconds capped the closest and most competitive contest in the five-game history between the two schools.

September 10, 2011
HUNTINGDON FOOTBALL FALLS TO BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN IN DOUBLE OVERTIME
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – It was a day of missed opportunities for the Huntingdon College football team. The Hawks had the opportunity to put Birmingham-Southern College away early in the second half, the opportunity to knock down a desperation pass on the last play of regulation and the opportunity to win in overtime. Instead, BSC was the team that made the most of its chances on Saturday. The Panthers made the plays they had to have and won 35-29 in double overtime at Panther Stadium.

September 3, 2011
HUNTINGDON KNOCKS OFF MARYVILLE IN SEASON OPENER
MARYVILLE, Tenn. – Saturday wasn’t the crisp performance Huntingdon head coach Mike Turk was looking for. But as far as season openers go, Turk and the Hawks were pleased with the 35-7 win over Maryville College. The offense rolled up more than 500 yards of offense and the defense held the Scots to 214 yards.

August 28, 2011
HUNTINGDON DEFENSIVE BACK EARNS MORE PRESEASON ALL-AMERICAN HONORS
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Huntingdon College defensive back Keith Anthony has been named preseason All-American for the second time this month. D3PRODAY.com selected Anthony as a first-team defensive back on its preseason All-American team. Earlier this month, the Eclectic native was named second-team defensive back on the D3 Senior Classic preseason All-American team.

August 17, 2011
HUNTINGDON’S PEARCY AND ANTHONY NAMED TO PRESEASON ALL-AMERICAN TEAM
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Two Huntingdon College football players have been recognized as preseason All-Americans. Senior receiver Cody Pearcy and senior defensive back Keith Anthony were recently selected to the D3 Senior Classic preseason All-American team. Pearcy was a first-team selection for the South offense and Anthony was a second-team selection for the South defense.