Hawks to host Hendrix in first round of playoffs

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Huntingdon football team will host Hendrix College on Saturday in the opening round of the NCAA Division III playoffs. Kickoff is set for noon at Samford Stadium.

The Hawks gathered Sunday afternoon to watch the Division III Selection Show. A cheer went out from the team and its supporters in attendance when Huntingdon's name came on the screen as a host team.

"That's when it really set in," senior linebacker and team captain Jacob Wright said. "We've never worked this hard for anything like this and we've never really felt like this before. It's a really special feeling. It feels good to see your hard work paying off. We've worked so hard for this opportunity and now it is here."

This will be Huntingdon's second playoff appearance. The Hawks hosted Mississippi College in the first round in 2009.

"It felt good to see our name on the screen," senior receiver and team captain Jamichael Bibb said. "Huntingdon has only been to the playoffs one time before this, so this is a great experience for us. We just need to stay focused this week. We need to stay focused and execute and be ready to play on Saturday."

This will be the first meeting between Huntingdon (9-1) and Hendrix (8-2). The Warriors, the Southern Athletic Association champions, are in their third season since restarting their football program in 2013.

Ticket prices for Saturday's game will be $15 for general admission and $5 for Huntingdon students with a valid student ID.