March 28, 2024

Defensive scores lift Nite Hawks to MFL division title

Des Moines — Seven forced turnovers propelled the Newton Nite Hawks to a 32-14 win over the Northwest Iowa Bulldogs in the Midwest Football League western division championship game on Aug. 10.

Newton’s victory advances the Nite Hawks to the MFL championship game on Aug. 24. The Nite Hawks (11-1) will play the MFL eastern division champion Missouri Ravens for the title of the semi-professional football conference.

The Nite Hawks scored three defensive touchdowns on interception returns by Fred Griggs and Jamere Murphy. The other one had Terrance Freeney intercepting a Bulldog pass in the end zone and lateraling the ball to Griggs. Griggs took the ball to the other end of the field for a touchdown.

Newton’s offense scored once and it came on the opening play of the game. Quarterback Montez Rankins found Brandon Thompson for a long touchdown pass.

Griggs and Murphy each had two interceptions while Freeney and Dajon James had one apiece. Griggs scored on a two-point conversion pass interception. Skyler Wedeking forced a fumble which Rankins recovered.