A “W” goes into the win column as the Newcastle Racers opened up their District competition Friday night on the road against Duncan.
The Racers won 44-28, making their District record 1-0 and their overall record 3-2.
Newcastle scored 31 points in the first half, but the defense allowed 28 points. Head Coach Jeff Brickman said coaches challenged the defense at half time to lower their pad level and control their gaps. He said the players answered the challenge.
“We shut out our opponent in the second half, and the offense controlled the fourth quarter running the ball,” Brickman said.
The coach said Newcastle started the game well with the defense forcing two interceptions, and the offense scoring 17 first-quarter points. He said the defense then fell off a bit in the second quarter.
Newcastle’s offense had 552 yards. The defense forced four turnovers and had two fourth down stops. Brickman added that special teams made all three of its field goal attempts.
The Scout Team Player of the Game was Jackson Hanner. The Hammer Award went to Cody Nix. Knock Downs award went to Aaron Jeffries with 11.
Kaden Longman was named Offensive Player of the Game, while Alec Shumard was Defensive Player of the Game, and Ashton Shumard earned the Special Teams Player of the Game. Newcastle’s Most Valuable Player for the Duncan contest was Taylor (TJ) Bradford.
Newcastle faces Midwest City at home this Friday. Brickman said they are a tradition- rich program, and to his knowledge they have never played at Gene Reid Field.
He said, “We love playing at home with the whole town behind us.”
