A 41-27 win against Lawton MacArthur Friday night put the Racers (4-2, 2-0) at the top of Class 5A-1 with two District wins. They play number 2 Elgin (5-0, 1-0), who is undefeated, this Friday.
Head Coach Bo Bradshaw said, “Our home crowd is always a difference maker when we get to play at Gene Reid Field. The band, cheer and pom, the student section, and the community is always loud and supportive. They make a massive difference.”
The Racers started out a little slower than the past two games, scoring only seven points in the first quarter to make 7-7 tie with Lawton Mac. They poured it on in the second quarter scoring 21 more points, while holding Lawton Mac to only one more TD. At halftime, the score was 28-14. Newcastle added one TD, and Lawton Mac added two touchdowns in the third quarter, but couldn’t convert on their extra point. This game Newcastle the 35-27 lead.
In the fourth quarter, Newcastle added another six points, while holding their opponent scoreless. The Racers won, 41-27.
Montre McGlugritch and Alec Shumard had big catches for the Racers. Both Deacon Lyles and Duke Berchtold completed those passes. Tight end Quinn Housely caught another touchdown pass.
Preston Scagnetti had an interception on the first defensive play of the game, and the Newcastle defense recovered a fumble late. It was forced by Elyjiah Beamus and recovered by Housely. Lyles also downed a punt on the oneyard line.
Ashton Shumard had 11 tackles, while Damari Morgan- Chancellor had 10 tackles. Housely had seven tackles, one fumble recovery, and one touchdown reception. McGlugritch had two rushing touchdowns, Daizjon Wilson had two rushing touchdowns, and Alec Shumard had 123 yards receiving, and one receiving touchdown.
Berchtold went 9/16 and 237 yards passing with one touchdown pass. Lyles went 3/5 with one touchdown pass.
Housely was named Player of the Week, while Mc-Glugritch and Alec Shumard wer Co-Offensive Players of the Week. Ashton Shumard was Defensive Player of the Week, while Lyles was Special Teams Player of the Week. Thomas Barbee was named the Hammer Award winner, and Landin L.J. Judkins earned the award for Knockdowns. Practice Player of the Week was Chris Hall-Lewis, and Lifter of the Week was Stockton Herring.
Elgin has had wins against Bethany, Guthrie, Tuttle, Cache, and Lawton MacArthur.
Bradshaw said, “This is our chance to prove we are the top team in 5A going into the second half of the season and leading into the playoffs.”
As mentioned, Newcastle and Elgin are the top two teams in the District. Bradshaw said they are a very well coached team, having lost only two games in the past three-and-a-half years.
“This will essentially be for the District championship, which earns you the right to host the first two rounds of playoffs and playing the number 4 seed from the west side of the District in the first round,” he said. “It will be a great test for the Racers and we are looking forward to the challenge.”
Senior Alec Shumard makes the catch for Newcastle as the Racers work towards their Friday night victory against Lawton MacArthur. • photo by Mindi Stucks
