March 28, 2024

Ames defeats Newton JV

AMES — Dalton Nevels returned the opening kickoff 50 yards for Newton High’s junior varsity against Ames Monday night. A bad snap from center and an Ames recovery of the Newton Fumble set the tone for the game.

The Cardinal junior varsity dropped a 38-21 decision to host Ames to go 0-2 on the season. Turnovers plagued Newton in the game with 10 — five fumbles and five interceptions.

Newton trailed 14-0 when Parker Schuster completed a 14-yard touchdown pass to Nevels. Josh Gulling kicked the extra point with 40 seconds left in the first half. Ames scored again before the break to lead 20-7.

The Cardinals came out and closed the gap again. Schuster found Jake Bennett for a 58-yard scoring pass play. Gulling kicked the extra point for a 20-14 deficit at the 7:04 remaining in the third quarter.

Two Newton turnovers led to Ames’ touchdowns in the third quarter. The Cardinals trailed 38-21 heading into the fourth quarter.

Reagan Maple took over as quarterback for Newton in the final period and connected with Mike McKinney on a 42-yard scoring strike. A Gulling extra-point kick made it 32-21 at the 3:35 mark of the quarter.

Twenty seconds later Ames pushed its advantage back up, 38-21, on a long scoring pass play.

Newton had 208 yards passing in the game. Bennett rushed for 66 yards. Gulling hit three PATs, had one kickoff touchback and two strong punts. Nevels led the Newton defense with 10 tackles.

Newton hosts Grinnell Monday.

Contact Sports Editor Jocelyn Sheets at (641) 792-3121 Ext. 6535 or jsheets@newtondailynews.com.