District starts next week at Shawnee
Newcastle’s defense held Putnam City North to only 39 rushing yards Friday night on the way to a 42-6 Racer victory.
The win gives Newcastle a 2-2 season record for 2026 as they look to District competition this week when they travel to Shawnee (2-2). The Wolves have had wins against Elk City and Putnam City North.
Against Putnam City North, “the Racers offensive and defensive lines completely controlled the trenches and the run game,” said Racer Head Coach Bo Bradshaw.
Newcastle’s offense rushed for 264 yards total, getting points on the board quickly with 14 in the first quarter, second and third quarters. North finally notched a sixpointer in the third quarter.
“The Racers only allowed the Panthers 39 rushing yards,” Bradshaw said. “The defensive unit was dominant. They totalled three interceptions and three sacks, and they stopped North on 12 third-down conversion attempts.”
Bradshaw said Ben Rogers continued his running prowess, behind the aggressive Racer offensive line, with Rogers scoring three touchdowns. He also had a receiving touchdown. Duke Berchtold found tight end Quinn Housely on two touchdown receptions.
“Ashton Jay came up big with two interceptions and a third one was added by Elyjiah Beamus, who has now gotten a pick two weeks in a row,” Bradshaw said.
Housely also had a sack and six tackles. Preston Scagnetti had eight tackles, a sack and a pass break up.
The Racer Player of the Week went to Housely, while Offensive Player of the Week was Cody Nix. Defensive Player of the Week was Ashton Jay, and Special Teams Player of the Week was Kieran Horton.
The Hammer Award went to Montre McGlugritch. Knockdown Award winner was Landin Judkins, and Practice Player of the Week was Tamir Tease. Lifter Award winner ws Eddie Ramierez-Munoz.
This week’s awards sponsor was Berchtold Realty.
Friday night’s matchup against Shawnee begins with a 7 p.m. kickoff.
“We are excited to get into district play,” Bradshaw said. “We talk about how there are three seasons within the season: non-district, district and the playoffs. This is the start of the second season.”
Bradshaw said going on the road is always a challenge.
“Playing at Shawnee is cool because of the rich tradition and history of the program,” Bradshaw said. “They are a well coached and disciplined football team. Their quarterback executes their offense well and their defense flies to the football.”
Bradshaw said the Racers will need to be well prepaered and more sound on fundamentals.
He said, “We cannot hurt ourselves with penalties and expect to play our best game. Our goal is to improve every week.”
Quinn Housely makes one of his Player of the Week catches for Newcastle during Friday night’s game against Putnam City North. • photo by Mindi Stucks
Deacon Lyles carries the ball for Newcastle during the game against Putnam City North. • photo by Mindi Stucks
