One hundred and eleven total points were scored Friday night as the Racers visited Elgin, but the Owls had the majority of those to win the game, 69-42.
Newcastle fought hard in the first and fourth quarters, scoring 14 points to Elgin’s 21 and then 14 points while holding Elgin scoreless. But the Owls took flight in the second and fourth quarters. They had 34 points to Newcastle’s 7 in the second, and then added 14 while holding the Racers again to only 7.
Special teams mistakes caused adversity for Newcastle, according to Head Coach Bo Bradshaw.
“We initially survived the first wave of adversity, and then the second wave hit and we did not handle it well,” Bradshaw said. “We have to develop into men who weather storms and persevere. Our focus has to be on what we can control and not what is out of our control.”
Bradshaw said there were multiple plays on special teams such as during a kickoff, a kickoff return, a punt and a punt return, which helped cause the Racer downfall Friday night.
“Our offense provided some big plays that kept the score close for awhile and then made it respectable at the end, as well,” he said.
The coach said the offensive line had a good night, and running back Ben Rogers had two long runs. Alec Shumard was able to make a big play on a long TD reception. Graham White made a diving catch on a tipped ball in the endzone to score a touchdown. And Chason Burnside had an impressive catch and run for a touchdown late in the game, Bradshaw said.
Quarterback Duke Berchtold threw for 22 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception. Rogers carried 18 times for 156 yards and 2 touchdowns. Alec Shumard had three receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown. The Racers had a total of 426 offensive yards.
The loss puts Newcastle’s season at 4-3 and District competition at 2-1. Elgin is atop District 5A-2 with a 2-0 District record and 6-0 record for the season. Newcastle shares second place with Shawnee, who the Racers beat but the Wolves have 15 marginal points, while Newcastle has 14 marginal points.
Player of the Week honors went to Ben Rogers, while Stockton Herring earned Offensive Player of the Week. Quinn Housely was Defensive Player of the Week, Brody Foster was Special Teams Player. The Hammer Award was earned by Cayden Davis, and Cody Nix earned Knockdowns. Practice Player of the Week was Adrian Iglesias, and Preston Huffman was Lifter of the Week.
Player of the Week awards were sponsored by Illuminations Creations and Eric Ledoux State Farm Agency.
This week is a bye week for the Racers. After a short rest, they’ll come back to host Southeast High School for Homecoming on October 23. Bradshaw said Southeast will watch the Racers’ game film and then try to capitalize on weaknesses they see.
“We need to correct mistakes and be prepared,” he said. “They have good athletes and the ability to create explosive plays if we do not play sound defense. We need to win out to host playoffs at Gene Reid Field.”
