Berry set to host 1st round of NCAA playoffs

The Vikings will welcome Huntingdon to Valhalla for a noon kickoff Saturday.

The season of firsts continues for the Berry College football team as the Vikings have been chosen to host the opening round of the 2017 NCAA Division III Football Championship playoffs.

The NCAA Division III Football Committee announced the field of 32 teams Sunday with the Berry College Vikings selected to host the Huntingdon College Hawks on Saturday at noon.

The No. 18 Vikings were one of 25 automatic qualifiers for the NCAA Playoffs, having clinched the Southern Athletic Association title outright Saturday with a 24-21 win over Trinity (Texas), which sealed the team’s first 10-0 season.

Huntingdon also earned an automatic bid by winning the USA South Athletic Conference title after posting a 9-1 record on the year, including an unbeaten 7-0 in league play.

While Saturday will be the programs’ first official meeting, the two have held preseason scrimmages against each other for the past several years.

Berry enters Saturday’s matchup averaging 34.2 points per contest and has allowed just 15.6 points on the year. Hutingdon is averaging 36.8 points per contest and allowing 19.8.

Ticket prices will be $10 for adults, and $5 for students with student identification and seniors. Children two years of age and younger are free. As an NCAA Championship event, no free admission will be available.