March 28, 2024

Cardinal freshmen beat Grinnell

GRINNELL — Matthew Karsten set the tone quick for Newton High’s freshmen Friday at Grinnell. Karsten returned the opening kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown. It ignited a 16-point first quarter for the Cardinals on their way to a 28-12 win over the Tigers.

Carson Cazett tacked on the two-point conversion for the Cardinals for an 8-0 lead. The Cardinals led 16-6 at halftime, then added a touchdown in each for the final two quarters for a 28-6 lead. Grinnell scored late in the game.

Cazett had a 12-yard touchdown run and another two-point conversion run for Newton. Jace Lukefahr bulled over from the 4-yard line for a touchdown and Tristin Langmaid scored from one yard out.

“The boys were focused all week and really wanted to beat Grinnell after losing to them twice in middle school. I thought our performance tonight showed that focus,” said Trent Powers, Newton assistant coach. “Offensively, we are starting to gel on the offensive line and continue to improve every game. Our ball security has gotten better each week.”

Cazett rushed for 71 yards on nine carries and Lukefahr had 44 yards on nine carries. Langmaid carried the ball eight times for 36 yards. Garrett Sturtz completed both passes he attempted to Zach Combs for 26 yards.

“The defense had another great night. We forced multiple turnovers and put a lot of pressure on their quarterback. Isaiah Breeden and Carson Cazett were outstanding all night,” Powers said.

Breeden recorded six tackles and a quarterback sack and blocked two punts. Cazett made four tackles, intercepted two passes and blocked an extra-point attempt. Grant Garvis had three tackles and Jaron Roush made two tackles.

Newton’s freshmen are 3-0. They host Prairie City-Monroe Tuesday at 7 p.m. in a game rescheduled from Sept. 9 in Monroe. They also host Benton Community of Van Horne Friday at H.A. Lynn Stadium.

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