The heat was on during a road trip to Bartlesville Friday night as the Racers opened their 2025 football season victoriously.
Coach Jeff Brickman said the team faced a hostile environment against a Class 6A school that has 1,000 more students than Newcastle. After a long bus ride, the Racers’ accommodations were a locker room which had the heaters turned on.
This made it even more of a challenge, Brickman said. The Racers would overcome as they defeated the Bruins, 51-35.
Brickman said special teams came up big for the Racers. On the last play of the second quarter, Bryan Medrano nailed a 47-yard field goal and gave Newcastle the momentum heading into the locker room. Although the Racers were behind in the first half, 28-23, Newcastle outscored the Bruins, 28-7, in the second half.
“On the night we scored two touchdowns on kickoff returns, and also blocked a punt,” Brickman said.
Kaden Longman was the successful return player for Newcastle, while Preston Scagnetti provided the blocked punt. These plays and a 65-yard pass reception by Longman were considered game-changing plays for Newcastle. Senior defensive lineman Braydon Cantrell also intercepted a pass.
Longman was the game’s Most Valuable Player, while Blake Cresswell was named defensive player of the game, and Cantrell was named special teams player of the game. Longman also earned the Hammer award, and Ashton Shumard got the Scout Team award. Cayden Davis and Deacon Lyles won the Knockdown awards, while Cody Nix got recognition at his offensive lineman position.
The Racers had 51 points with 369 total yards. They had 247 yards passing, going 16 of 21; and 122 yards rushing, on 24 carries for two touchdowns and one fumble. Defensively, the Racers had four forced turnovers. Special teams had a 47-yard field goal, one blocked punt, two kickoff returns for touchdowns, and five touchbacks on kickoffs.
Next up is a 15-mile trip to take on the Tuttle Tigers. Brickman said he expects a good game with both teams sporting good players, coaches and fans. Tuttle opened with a 38-13 win over Guthrie.
