Limestone Saints Football: A Legacy Forged on the Gridiron

The Limestone Saints football program represented Limestone University in Gaffney, South Carolina, competing in NCAA Division II intercollegiate sporting competitions. The team made two appearances in the NCAA Division II playoffs. Though the university ultimately closed, the legacy of the Limestone Saints football program remains.

A Foundation in Athletics

Limestone University's athletic journey began long before the gridiron was added to its sporting landscape. Until 1997, Limestone competed for championships in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Limestone gained membership in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) Division II in 1991 and began competing for NCAA championships when it joined the Carolinas-Virginia Athletics Conference in 1998. The Limestone Saints were the athletic teams that represented Limestone University, located in Gaffney, South Carolina, in NCAA Division II intercollegiate sporting competitions. The Saints competed as members of the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) for most sports, having joined that league in July 2020 after 22 years in Conference Carolinas (CC). Limestone maintained CC membership in two sports, specifically men's wrestling and women's acrobatics & tumbling. Men's wrestling is one of two sports in which the SAC and CC operate as a single league, the other being women's field hockey. The SAC operated the field hockey championship, while CC operates the wrestling championship. The men's volleyball team competed as an independent. The swim team competed in the Bluegrass Mountain Conference before being dropped in 2018; the field hockey and wrestling teams were members of the ECAC-Division II before 2018, when the SAC and CC established their alliance in those two sports. The football team had been independent, but entered into a scheduling agreement with the SAC in 2015. Today, 21 of Limestone's athletic teams compete in the South Atlantic Conference, with women's acrobatics & tumbling and men's wrestling competing in Conference Carolinas, and men's volleyball and women's wrestling competing as independents. The most recently added sports are acrobatics & tumbling and women's wrestling, both added in the 2019-20 school year. Limestone helped pave the way for collegiate lacrosse, swimming, and field hockey in the South. The Saints fielded South Carolina's first collegiate lacrosse team in 1990. Over the years, the Saints baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's golf, men's and women's lacrosse, softball, men's soccer, men's wrestling, and men's and women's tennis teams have all been ranked on the national level. Twelve student-athletes have gone on to play professionally in their sport, with seven of those signing professional baseball contracts. The Saints baseball program was started by two-time Cy Young Award winner Gaylord Perry, a member of the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame.

The Birth of Saints Football

The Limestone Saints football program was established at Limestone College (now Limestone University) as part of the institution's ongoing expansion of its NCAA Division II athletics offerings, which began with membership in the national association in 1991. This affiliation enabled the addition of new sports over the following decades, culminating in the launch of football to broaden the intercollegiate opportunities for male student-athletes at the private liberal arts institution in Gaffney, South Carolina. In December 2012, Limestone College announced the initiation of its football program, naming Bobby James as the inaugural head coach. James, a veteran assistant with 18 years of experience, including stints as defensive coordinator at institutions like Wingate University and Bloomsburg University, was tasked with building the team from the ground up. The Saints recruited about 50 student-athletes for a redshirt season in 2013, allowing time for development before competing in a full schedule the following fall. In 2014, Limestone University launched its football program directly as a member of the NCAA Division II, with no prior history in the NAIA or other divisions.

Early Seasons and Growth

The Saints played their first varsity season in 2014 as an independent team, hosting home games at The Reservation in Gaffney, South Carolina. Under James, the team endured early struggles, finishing with a 2-9 overall record. The inaugural game resulted in a 38-10 loss to Wingate University on September 6, but Limestone secured its first victory two weeks later, a decisive 45-0 shutout against the College of Faith on September 20. Additional highlights included a 47-30 win over Paine College on October 11, though the season was marked by lopsided defeats against more established programs, such as a 70-20 loss to Newberry College. James led the Saints through 2014 and 2015, fostering competitive play in the program's early years. James left the program in early 2016, and on May 11, 2016, Limestone College announced the hiring of former National Football League wide receiver Mike Furrey as the second head coach for the Saints. Furrey was previously the wide receivers coach at Marshall University and a former head coach at Kentucky Christian University. Under Furrey, the Saints went 5-6 in his first season, followed by a 4-6 campaign in 2017. By the late 2010s, the program showed signs of progression, benefiting from facility upgrades like the opening of the Bob Campbell Field House in fall 2014, which provided dedicated locker rooms and training spaces.

Joining the South Atlantic Conference

The Saints had competed in football as an independent, but during the 2015-2018 seasons arranged a scheduling agreement with the South Atlantic Conference to provide most of their contests. In April 2017, the Limestone Saints were announced as the first associate member of the South Atlantic Conference (in any sport), and began competition in the SAC beginning in the fall of 2017. The team joined the South Atlantic Conference as a football affiliate member in 2017. In 2017, Limestone joined the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) as an associate member specifically for football, marking a pivotal shift that integrated the Saints into a structured conference schedule of seven or eight games per season against established Division II programs in the Southeast. This affiliation enhanced competition levels, fostered regional rivalries-such as annual games against nearby schools like Newberry and Wingate-and provided eligibility for SAC championships, contributing to improved team development through consistent high-caliber opponents.

Recent Success and Playoff Appearances

A key surge came in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, marking the program's first back-to-back winning records and playoff appearances. In 2022, the Saints finished 8-4 overall (7-2 in South Atlantic Conference play), securing their inaugural NCAA Division II playoff berth as the No. In 2022, Limestone posted an 8-4 overall record and a 7-2 mark in the South Atlantic Conference (SAC), earning the Saints their first-ever berth in the NCAA Division II playoffs. Building on that success, the 2023 season saw the Saints notch another 8-4 campaign and an impressive 8-1 mark in SAC play. The Saints secured their second consecutive playoff appearance. Limestone concluded the 2024 season with a 7-4 overall record and a 6-3 mark in the SAC.

2022 Playoff Run

In their inaugural postseason berth in 2022, the Saints earned the No. 6 seed in Super Region 2 after compiling an 8-3 regular-season record and tying for first in the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) Piedmont Division with a 7-2 conference mark. One of the most memorable playoff outings for the Limestone Saints came in their inaugural NCAA Division II postseason appearance on November 19, 2022, against the No. 3 seeded West Florida Argonauts in the first round. The Saints, making history as the program's first playoff team after an 8-3 regular season, started strong with an early touchdown drive capped by a 1-yard run from running back Josh Ferguson, taking a 7-0 lead. However, West Florida quickly responded, leveraging a balanced attack led by quarterback Peewee Jarrett, who threw for 248 yards and three touchdowns while adding 85 rushing yards. The Argonauts pulled away in the second half with two long touchdown passes and a dominant ground game, outscoring Limestone 28-6 after halftime to secure a 45-19 victory.

2023 Playoff Appearance

Limestone returned to the playoffs in 2023, again securing the No. 6 seed in Super Region 2 with another 8-3 regular-season mark and tying for first in the SAC Piedmont Division with a 7-1 conference record. Drawn against the region's No. The following year, on November 18, 2023, the Saints returned to the playoffs, facing the Valdosta State Blazers in another first-round matchup at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. Limestone put up a gritty offensive showing, amassing 448 total yards and scoring 41 points through a spread attack paced by quarterback Nathan French, who completed 24 of 35 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns. Key moments included a 75-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Cameron Clay early in the game and a late rally with two scores in the fourth quarter to narrow the gap to 10 points. Yet, Valdosta State's explosive offense, driven by junior quarterback Sammy Edwards' 359 passing yards and five touchdowns, proved too much, as the Blazers built a 38-14 halftime lead and held on for a 62-41 win.

Coaching Staff

The Limestone Saints football program, established in 2014 as part of NCAA Division II, has seen six head coaches through the 2024 season. These coaches have guided the team through its formative years, achieving milestones such as the program's first .500 season in 2017 and initial playoff berths in 2022. Jerricho Cotchery serves as the head coach of the Limestone Saints football team, entering his first season in the role in 2024 after spending the previous two years as an assistant coach with the program. A former NFL wide receiver who played 11 seasons across teams including the New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Carolina Panthers, Cotchery transitioned to coaching following his retirement, most recently serving as the Panthers' assistant wide receivers coach. The offensive staff is led by assistants focused on position-specific development, including Connor Baroniunas as offensive line coach and Leon Washington handling the running backs. Baroniunas joined the Saints to bolster the unit's protection schemes, while Washington emphasizes ground game efficiency. No designated offensive coordinator is listed, suggesting Cotchery oversees play-calling directly. On defense, James R. (JR) Clark acts as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach, drawing from prior experience as defensive backs coach at Wingate University where he contributed to multiple winning seasons. Support roles include Kellen O'Neill as special teams coordinator in his first season with the Saints in 2024, focusing on kick coverage and return units after prior stints coaching wide receivers elsewhere. Tanner Harrison serves as strength and conditioning coach alongside assistant duties, prioritizing physical preparation and injury prevention to enhance player durability following the program's recent playoff appearances. Additional assistants such as Hunter Maynard and T.J. The staff's approach, as articulated by Cotchery, centers on his "V.E.T.S.S." philosophy, which guides player development through structured principles influenced by his NFL mentors, though specific details remain tied to team internals.

Home Field and Training Facilities

The home stadium for the Limestone Saints football program is Saints Field at Bob Campbell Stadium, located on the Limestone University campus in Gaffney, South Carolina. It became the primary venue for the team's home games starting in 2022. The stadium features a seating capacity of 3,000 and includes modern amenities such as artificial turf, which was installed in 2018 to enhance playing conditions and durability. Lighting for night games was added in 2005, allowing the Saints to host evening matchups and increasing accessibility for fans. Over the years, the stadium has undergone key upgrades to support growing program needs, including a press box expansion in 2012 for improved media and coaching facilities, and the addition of a video board in 2019 to enhance fan experience with replays and announcements. These developments reflect Limestone University's commitment to elevating its athletic infrastructure.

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The Limestone Saints football program benefits from dedicated training infrastructure designed to support player development and performance. The primary practice field is the Clary Family Football Practice Field, located adjacent to Saints Field, and features artificial turf surfaces. Strength and conditioning resources are housed in the Timken Center, which underwent significant upgrades in 2015 to enhance facilities for multiple sports, including football. Academic support for football student-athletes includes a dedicated study hall and tutoring initiatives launched in 2012, aligned with NCAA progress-toward-degree requirements to promote academic success alongside athletic commitments.

Statistical Achievements and Standout Players

The Limestone Saints football program, which began in 2014, maintains records that reflect its growth in NCAA Division II competition within the South Atlantic Conference. Single-season and career statistical leaders emphasize standout performances in offensive categories, particularly passing and rushing, while team achievements highlight milestones in wins and scoring. Defensive records, though less comprehensively documented in public archives, include notable individual contributions in tackles and sacks.

Dustin Noller holds the program's single-season passing yards record with 3,104 yards in 2024. His career total of 9,046 passing yards (through 2024) leads all quarterbacks, spanning his tenure from 2020 onward and including 83 touchdown passes, the highest in program history. Earlier standouts include DJ Phillips, who accumulated 4,995 career passing yards from 2017 to 2019, with a single-season high of 2,040 yards in 2018. Single-game benchmarks feature Noller's 456-yard performance against Emory & Henry on November 12, 2022, and his four-touchdown games, tying the program record shared by several players including Ivan Corbin Jr.

Rushing leadership is dominated by versatile backs, with Tre Stewart's 1,546 yards in 2022 standing as the single-season record, achieved amid the team's 8-4 finish. Jerko’ya Patton owns the career rushing yards mark at 2,924 from 2017 to 2021, bolstered by a program-record 22 rushing touchdowns over that span-though distributed across multiple seasons, his 2017 output of 907 yards exemplifies his impact. Stewart follows closely with 2,572 career rushing yards through 2023, including 21 touchdowns.

Defensive accolades focus on disruption, with Jeremy Hudson recording multiple two-sack games in 2023, including against Wingate on October 14, tying the single-game sack record shared by players like Damon Early. Career sack leaders are not fully detailed in available records, but Hudson's 2023 contributions (at least four sacks) position him among the program's top performers. Team interception totals peaked at 13 in the 2024 season, supporting a defense that allowed just 23.1 points per game.

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Divisional Championships

The Limestone Saints football program, established in 2014 as an NCAA Division II independent, did not compete in a conference during its initial seasons and thus had no opportunity for conference titles prior to 2017. The South Atlantic Conference (SAC) utilized a divisional format for football from 2022 through 2024, dividing its member institutions into the Mountain Division and the Piedmont Division. Limestone University competed in the Piedmont Division alongside Lenoir-Rhyne, Wingate, Newberry, Barton, and Catawba, facing intra-division rivals such as Wingate and Newberry in key matchups that influenced divisional standings.

Limestone captured its first SAC divisional championship in 2022, sharing the Piedmont Division title with Lenoir-Rhyne, Newberry, and Wingate after finishing the conference schedule at 7-2. The Saints ended the regular season with an overall record of 8-3, highlighted by a pivotal 42-37 road victory over Newberry on October 29, where they amassed 553 total yards in a high-scoring affair that bolstered their divisional standing. In 2023, Limestone repeated as co-champions of the Piedmont Division, tying Lenoir-Rhyne at 7-1 in conference play while finishing 8-4 overall. A critical road win over Wingate on October 14, 17-10, exemplified their defensive prowess, limiting the Bulldogs to just 54 rushing yards and securing five sacks in a low-scoring defensive struggle that helped maintain their undefeated streak in remaining divisional games. Lenoir-Rhyne advanced to the SAC Championship game as the division's representative via tiebreakers, underscoring how Limestone's shared title positioned them among the conference's elite.

The End of an Era

Despite the team's successes, Limestone University faced significant financial challenges, leading to its closure. Two weeks before the board’s decision, Limestone made a public request for $6 million in donations to allow the university to move its classes online. University leaders remained “cautiously optimistic” about Limestone remaining open for business after the university launched the “Together for Limestone” campaign on April 24 to keep the 180-year-old institution open. The Fullerton Foundation committed $1 million to the fundraising campaign. “Our students, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters fought tirelessly to save this historic institution,” Copeland said. Limestone, a private Christian university nearly 140 miles from Orangeburg, South Carolina, was “burdened by debt” and faced a “declining enrollment”, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education. On April 29, the board of trustees ultimately voted to close the school, effectively ending a 180-year tradition. The news was devastating and hard to comprehend, leaving members of the Limestone family (both on and off campus) hurting and angry.

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