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."

A win doesn't guarantee the Hawks (7-2) a berth in the NCAA Division III playoffs. But a win against the Wolverines (8-1), combined with Huntingdon having the toughest strength of schedule in Division III, could be enough to help the Hawks earn the single Pool B bid for the playoffs.

As an Independent team, Huntingdon can't earn one of the 28 conference championship bids for the playoffs. Huntingdon's best chance is a Pool B bid. This year, there is only one Pool B bid available. Huntingdon, Wesley and others are vying for it.

"We don't really control our destiny, because we have to win and hope we're chosen for a playoff berth," Huntingdon head coach Mike Turk said. "But it's like I told the kids, I can't guarantee what will happen if we win, but I can guarantee them we won't get to the postseason if we lose. We all realize what's at stake."

Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. Central at Scott D. Miller Stadium.

This is the fourth time Huntingdon and Wesley have played since 2006. It's the third time Wesley has been ranked in the Top-10 when the two teams played. The Wolverines were ranked sixth in 2006, third last season and are currently ranked seventh.

Wesley has won the three previous meetings.

"We've played before, so both teams know a little about each other and what to expect," Turk said. "We know how good they are and we know they'll be the best team we've seen this season. We've got a challenge in front of us and we have to be prepared to play our best ball."

This will be the fourth ranked opponent Huntingdon has faced this season. Huntingdon hosted and defeated then-14th-ranked Hampden-Sydney on Sept. 24 and then-11th-ranked Wittenberg on Oct. 8. The Hawks traveled to San Antonio and lost to then 18th-ranked Trinity 24-7 on Oct. 15.

"We're taking this like any other game," Chappell said. "As a team, we're all on board and prepared to play hard. That's how we approach every game."

The game will be broadcast on the internet at http://www.teamline.cc/sportpage?teamcode=2588&eventcode=20