The Lions roared into Newcastle Friday night to give the Racers their first loss of the 2023 football season.
The 28-13 loss puts Newcastle at 4-1 on the season.
Newcastle kept the score close through three quarters, with a 7-6 lead in the first, which turned into a 14-10 Blanchard lead by halftime. The Racers trimmed the game to 14-13 by the end of the third quarter, but Blanchard put another 14 points onto the scoreboard in the fourth quarter for the win.
The Lions took advantage on a kickoff when the Racers were not sound in their lanes and the result was a return for a touchdown, according to Head Coach Jeff Brickman.
“We ran the ball well but missed some opportunities in the passing agame, and did not do well in the Red Zone,” Brickman said. “Although we outgained Blanchard in yards, these three factors led to the final outcome.”
Besides the kickoff return for a TD, Blanchard also had a tipped pass in the Red Zone for an interception.
Brickman said the Racer offensive line helped pave the way for sophomore TJ Bradford as he rushed for 140 yards.
He added that the defense held Blanchard well below their average of total yards, and the Racer’s special teams team went 2-2 on field goals.
Bradford was named the game’s Most Valuable Player for his performance at both running back and defensive back.
Senior Chad Craft was recognized for his play at offensive lineman, and junior Taj Smith was recognized for his play at defensive lineman.
On Special Teams, senior Toby Batchelder was named for his performance.
The Racers travel south to Bridge Creek on Friday night for their next game.
Brickman said, “On film their players play extremely hard and they are well coached.”
