Mistakes Cost The Wolves A Needed District Win

“It’s uncharacteristic for us to make these types of mistakes,” Head coach Hiscock spoke after a 27-20 loss to district opponent Alonso, “fumbling so many times…you just can’t win a football game with six turnovers.” In a game swamped with mistakes and penalties from both teams, turnovers were the deciding factor between winning and losing. Seven turnovers by Newsome and two turnovers by Alonso turned into a sloppy district game. However, despite the mistakes, the Wolves’ defense was able to keep in striking distance and ultimately gave the now 2-3 Wolves a great shot at winning.

From start to finish this game was full of momentum swings, beginning on the Newsome’s opening drive. On 4th and 3 in their own territory, Newsome pulled the right strings faking a punt, and #6 Drew Limbeck scampering twelve yards for a first down on the 50 yard line. It seemed like Newsome would methodically march down the field, pounding the ball right through Alonso. However after two short gains, and an incompletion from #9 Cole Schaller, Newsome was forced to punt.

This lead to the beginning of the sloppy play. Alonso’s first drive was capped of by a #10 Alex Laccabue, throwing a interception right into #3 Neil Bryant hands. This was the first of many turnovers and brought the momentum back to Newsome. Newsome soon capitalized off of this mistake with the help of two Alonso penalties: illegal contact and offside extending the drive for Newsome. After fumbling on the previous play; #9 Schaller threw a beautiful lob over the defense to #2 Drew Kozlin who slid into the end zone. At the end of the first, the score was 7-0 Newsome Wolves.

The next drive for Alonso was completely shut down by series of block in the back and holding penalties, three in total, forcing the Ravens to punt. Followed by the first three and out of the game, as both defenses in the second quarter really anchored down and prevented any offense movement from occurring.  Newsome’s next drive started on their own 10 yard line. Braxton Harris busted out for a 20 yard run on the first play of the drive, shortly followed by a completion from #9 Schaller to #11 Drew Willis for a 1st and 10 at the 42 yard line. Later moving into the redzone: this drive was also backed up by false start penalty moving the Wolves outside the redzone, and a sack by #40 Pablo Acosta Jr. forced a Newsome punt.

The second half brought an abundance of turnovers and struggles for the Wolves. After a three and out to begin the half, Newsome fumbled and gave the Ravens great field position for their next drive. Tough runs from #8 Derrick Walker and #2 Josh Elias set up first and goal for Alonso. Where #2 Elias punched in a touchdown from seven yards out to tie the game.

A holding call on Newsome started the drive 1st and 25, so the Wolves turned to the air. #9 Schaller threw two complete passes to #32 Nate Simmons and #2 Kozlin for a first down. Three plays later, a punt from Newsome, followed by a quick ending drive from Alonso and another punt.

The third quarter ended on a botched snap and fumble by Newsome, giving Alonso the ball right back in scoring position. Luckily Alonso also had the turnover bug and fumbled the ball on the opening play of the fourth quarter, with Newsome recovering. Newsome, capitalizing with a touchdown run from #5 Harris, the score now 14-7 Newsome. Momentum continued to rapidly swing as the next play #8 Walker returned the kickoff  91 yards and evened the score.

How did Newsome respond? With another fumble, as Alonso now had the ball on the 37 poised to take their first lead of the game. Newsome’s defense stepped up once again and forced a three and out, and came inches away from blocking the resulting punt. The kick was rushed and short, hitting the 2nd line of Newsome blockers and subsequently being fumbled with Alonso recovering and gaining possession. However Newsome’s defense continued to hold up their side of the bargain and forced another punt from Alonso.

Deep in their own territory and a holding penalty on first down, on 3rd and 9 an obvious passing down situation, #9 Schaller’s pass was intercepted by #4 Jordan Williamham. It was now Alonso’s ball on the seven yard line, two plays later #8 Walker sprints into the endzone; after a missed extra point the score was now 20-14 Alonso.

Momentum completely on Alonso’s side, Newsome needed a strong drive to retake the game. Unfortunately with 3:13 left in the fourth quarter, Newsome fumbled again and committed a 7th turnover. With the defense standing strong throughout the game, Alonso just had way too many opportunities with great field position. Alonso’s resulting drive ended with #8 Walker waltzing into the endzone after escaping to the edge untouched.  The score was now Alonso 27, Newsome 14.

Desperate for a quick score, Newsome marched down the field and easily scored behind #9 Schaller’s one yard touchdown run, missing the extra punt the Wolves were now down by 7. It was time for the most important play of the game; both teams got their hands teams ready for the onside kick. Newsome’s stands were filled with hope and anticipation as the ball was lightly tipped. It took a nice bounce and was dived on by Alonso. The air seemed sucked out of the field and Alonso ran out the clock and won 27-20.

Despite being 2-3 and on a 3 game losing streak, Newsome has been in positions at the end of the game to win. Correcting simple mistakes and protecting the football with a lot more care should give the Wolves the edge needs to take down cross town rival Riverview Sharks on Friday, October 2 to keep any postseason dreams alive. While the Alonso Ravens move to 3-2 and take on district opponent Palm Harbor University next Friday.  

For more details on Newsome High School Football and play by play info follow @nhswolftracks on twitter. Every game is live tweeted. https://twitter.com/nhswolftracks