Mars Hill Falls to North Greenville in NCAA Football Championship

MARS HILL, N.C. - Mars Hill lost to North Greenville, 58-32, in the second round of the NCAA Division II Football Championship Saturday afternoon at the Ammons Family Athletic Center and Meares Stadium. Jonas Randolph broke the SAC career rushing record in the contest after 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.

- Courtesy Mars Hill Media Relations