Newcastle came out hot in the first quarter of their Homecoming match against Southeast Friday night to score 35 points, while holding their opponent scoreless. This was on the way to a 63-14 win.
The Racers (5-3, 3-1) added 14 second quarter points, and seven apiece in the third and fourth quarters for the total. Newcastle’s defense held tight, with Southeast (2-6, 0-5) scoring once in the second quarter and once in the third quarter.
Elgin is the only undefeated team in District 5A-2, with Shawnee and Newcastle tied, but listed in second and third places based on number of points.
Head Coach Bo Bradshaw said, “This week was Homecoming week for us all in Newcastle. It was full of fun events and celebrations to highlight how great of a community we get to represent and live in on a weekly basis.”
Bradshaw said a lot of the players were in the Homecoming court and the Racers’ Preston Scagnetti was voted King by his peers.
“This created an awesome atmosphere all week, but especially leading up to the game,” Bradshaw said. “Our Racer Band kept the energy lively throughout the entirety of the game, and even had a special performance in the third quarter when they came down onto the sideline for a drumline show.”
The coach said Newcastle had big plays early in the game with Alec Shumard taking a hand off, making a Southeast player miss, for the opening touchdown. On the kickoff, the return team didn’t field the ball and Elyjiah Beamus was able to secure possession.
“Duke Berchtold then connected with Graham White on a big pass play for another TD,” Bradshaw said. “Our defense had multiple threeand- outs and many sacks on the night. They were a strong unit.”
The coach said Southeast returned a kick for a touchdown, and connected on a couple of pass plays, one being a trick play in order to score a second touchdown.
Bertchtold passed 8/11 for 172 yards, 2 touchdowns, and rushed for 25 yards and 1 touchdown. Ben Rogers had 6 rushes for 78 yards and 2 touchdowns. Montre McGlugritch returned a punt for a touchdown and had a rushing touchdown. Newcastle had 246 total rushing yards.
Player of the Week was Mc-Glugritch. Offensive Player of the Week was Berchtold. Defensive Player of the Week was Thomas Barbee.
Special Teams Player of the Week was Beamus. Cody Nix earned the award for Knockdowns (11).
Ashton Shumard received the Hammer Award. Kason White was the Practice Player of the Week, and Kyle Miller was Lifter of the Week.
The Racers play against El Reno (2-6, 1-3) tomorrow (Friday). Bradshaw said they are a very physical team, and they prioritize running the ball and controlling possession.
“They will attempt to lure the defense to sleep and then take a deep shot or run a counter play,” he said. “Defensively, they have a lot of energy and play with enthusiasm. They have a strong tradition of success in their athletic department, and we will probably see them throughout the course of the year in our other sports, as well.”
