A strong third quarter showing put Newcastle ahead of Lawton MacArthur last Thursday night to eventually give the Racers a 41-32 win.
The football game, which was moved from Friday night to Thursday night, was still lightning-delayed and did not get its start until 8:49 p.m. Both teams had significant offensive statistics on the night, with the Racers outlasting their opponent.
Head Coach Jeff Brickman said, “We came out strong scoring on our first six possessions. The game went back and forth, but we were able to make more stops on defense and closed the game out with a touchdown.”
Brickman said the Racers then closed out their ninepoint lead by executing its four minute offense to kneel on the ball and run out the clock on the last play of the game.
Newcastle blocked and stopped the first three extra point attempts by Lawton MacArthur.
“We had several long run plays and pass plays and recovered two onside kicks,” Brickman said.
Lawton had 453 yards total composed of 261 rushing on 53 attempts, and 192 passing yards on 9 of 15 attempts. They were 2 of five on extra points.
The Racers had 388 total yards, with 276 rushing on 39 attempts, and 8 of 14 passing for 112 yards. Newcastle went 2 for 2 on field goals and 5 of 5 on extra points.
Taylor (TJ) Bradford was the game’s Most Valuable Player for the Racers. Beau Birdsong was named Scout Team Player of the Week. Kaden Longman earned the Hammer award. Garrett Pratt was the Knockdowns winner with a total of eight.
Thomas Barbee was Defensive Player of the Game.
Brody Foster and Harmon Warmuth shared as Co-Special Teams Players of the Game. The win against Lawton places the Racers at 6-2 overall.
Newcastle will play Bishop McGuiness this Friday. Brickman said it should be a great matchup as both teams are undefeated in District 5A-1. Bishop McGuiness (8-0 on the year) beat Southeast 45-7 last week.
