Next Up: Round 2 is Friday against the Pryor Tigers
Newcastle put together its best offensive game of the year Friday night, according to Head Coach Jeff Brickman.
The Racers (6-0, 8-3) scored on offense, defense and special teams to beat the Noble Bears, 63-14, in round one of the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Athletic Association Class 5A State Playoffs.
The win motors the Racers on to round two against the Pryor Tigers (5-2, 8-3) at 7 p.m. Friday at Gene Reid Field.
The Racers held Noble scoreless until the fourth quarter, while managing 21 first-quarter points, 14 second- quarter points, and 14 third quarter points. The fourth quarter was a 14-14 tie, as the Bears finally clawed onto the scoreboard.
Newcastle had a short sputter to start the game, but quickly picked up the pace. Brickman said the Racers were about to score inside the 10 yard-line, but instead fumbled the ball inside the 5. A few plays later, Kaden Longman intercepted a pass and returned it for a Racer touchdown.
Brickman said the Racers kicked off and Zach Cragg forced a fumble which Preston Scagnetti scooped up and ran for a touchdown.
Newcastle hit the locker room with a 35-0 halftime lead.
Brickman said the Racers had 247 yards rushing and 247 yards passing. Defensively, they held Noble to under 100 yards passing. On special teams, the Racers made every extra point and met all their goals.
Notables for the game included Ayden Elcyzyn being named Most Valuable Player. Taj Smith was named offense player of the game, and Rex Heskew nabbed the defense player of the game.
Smith also was recognized for knockdowns, and Scagnetti received the Sledgehammer award. Cragg was named special teams award winner.
Pryor comes to Newcastle tomorrow (Friday) night after finishing second in District 5A-4, just behind Del City. They beat Bishop Kelley in the first round of playoffs, 38-19. Other Class 5A schools still in the State playoffs are: Booker T Washington and Guthrie, Carl Albert and Claremore, and Del City and Bishop McGuinness.
The winners of the Friday night matches move on to the Semifinals on Friday, December 6. Locations will be announced. The State Championship is 7 p.m. Saturday, December 14 at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond.
Most Valuable Player Ayden Elcyzyn pressures the Noble quarterback before making the sack Friday night. • photo by Jennifer Lewis
Rex Heskew goes up for the interception in the game against Noble. • photo by Lisa Smith-Longman
