EMORY, Va. (WJHL) – Carson-Newman put up a formidable defense against one of the South Atlantic Conference’s most dynamic offenses, but couldn’t muster enough offensive might in a close 19-13 defeat to No. 22 Emory & Henry at Fred Selfe Stadium on Saturday.

The Wasps, who typically average 39 points per game, were held to their season-lowest score. However, Carson-Newman struggled on offense, managing only eight first downs and going 2-for-11 on third down conversions.

Behind 5-3 at the half, the Eagles surged ahead in the third quarter thanks to a 52-yard field goal by Bennett Smith and a 50-yard touchdown pass from Zane Whitson to Jeremiah Carroll. Unfortunately, their momentum waned in the fourth quarter, where they gained just 11 total yards over four drives. Emory & Henry seized the opportunity, with a rushing touchdown from Rudolph Paul and a last-minute field goal to clinch the victory, extending their home unbeaten run to nine games.

The Eagles’ defense fought hard, achieving multiple red-zone stops and two sacks, extending their streak to 28 consecutive games with a sack. Terry Lemon made nine tackles, and Martavis Mason chipped in with eight.

“We battled to the end and just didn’t make enough plays on offense to win,” head coach Ashley Ingram said. “We’ve got this open week to regroup. Tip your hat to those guys.”

Carson-Newman heads into a bye week before traveling to face Anderson on Oct. 18.

Emory & Henry takes on the Mars Hill Lions Saturday, Oct. 11.