April 25, 2024

Newton’s JV ends season with win over PC Eagles

By Jocelyn Sheets
Image 1 of 2

Newton's Duncan Lee (39) gets away from two Pella Christian defenders for a big gain during Monday's final junior varsity game of the season at H.A. Lynn Stadium. The Cardinals beat visiting Pella Christian, 37-6. (Jocelyn Sheets)

NEWTON — Leading 12-6 in the third quarter, Newton’s junior varsity football Cardinals faced a scoring threat from Pella Christian’s Eagles. The Newton defense forced an Eagle fumble and recovered it.

The Cardinals marched from deep in their own territory towards another touchdown. Blake Anderson scored on a 19-yard quarterback keeper with 1:28 left in the third quarter. Newton continued to turn away any Eagle threats on its way to a 37-6 victory at home Monday.

Newton got on the scoreboard first on its second possession of the game. Duncan Lee broke away for a 24-yard touchdown run at the 9:18 mark of the second quarter.

The Cardinals held the Eagles to three plays and a punt and mounted another scoring drive. Anderson finished the four-play, 67-yard drive with a five-yard touchdown run. Newton was up 12-0.

Pella Christian scored just before halftime to make it 12-6.

Newton had a long drive to open the second half but fumbled the ball away. The Cardinals’ next possession ended in an short punt. Pella Christian was driving when Newton recovered the fumble.

The Cardinals led 18-6 heading into the fourth quarter. Lee dashed 25 yards for a touchdown and Josh Gulling kicked the extra point for Newton at the 8:17 mark. With 5:48 remaining in the game, Dalton Nevels darted 48 yards to the end zone.

Newton’s final score came quickly after that on a blocked punt. Lee scooped up the football and took it in for a six-yard touchdown.

Lee finished with more than 200 yards rushing for the Cardinals. Newton’s offense rolled up just under 450 yards in the game.

“It was a solid performance on both sides of the ball for our kids,” said Tom Weeks, NHS assistant coach. “It’s a great way to finish the season. These kids worked hard all season and it was a positive way to end their season.”

Brett Wolf led the team in tackles Monday night, and he had a couple of quarterback sacks. Jake Bennett had two interceptions. Weeks also pointed to the play of Cragar Klingensmith, Earl Kimmel and Austin James.

Newton’s junior varsity finished 2-6.