Yellow Jackets fall to Newton County in ‘Battle of Hwy. 15’
Despite the early concern of impending rain, it turned out to be a beautiful Friday night for football. When the final horn blew the score was, Newton County Cougars 28, Union Yellow Jackets 6.
The first quarter was a defensive battle between the two neighboring teams. At the 2:46 mark in the first quarter, LT. Phillips got the scoring started for the Cougars with a 5-yard touchdown run.
Then, with 1:08 to go in the first quarter Newton County added to their lead. They picked up a fumble and returned it for 27 yards for a touchdown. At the end of the first quarter, the Cougars led 14-0.
The second quarter began and the defensive battle continued. With 4:10 to go in the first half, Union’s Ky’Yon Harris scored an 1-yard touchdown run. The PAT was unsuccessful. So, at halftime of the contest the score was Newton County 14 Union 6.
The second half began with the kickoff to Newton County. The Cougars marched down the field and concluded the drive with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Grey Hale to Tyron Henderson. The kick was good and the score was 21-6, Newton County in the lead. At the 3:28 mark in the third quarter, Newton County would score once again. Colin Crowder ran for 11 yards. When the dust settled, Crowder had reached the land of milk and honey for the Cougars. The PAT was good and the score at the end of the third quarter was, Newton County 28 Union 6.
The final quarter was a carbon copy of the three previous quarters. Newton County dominated in the run and pass. The defensive unit of the Cougars was very effective against the Jackets. Both teams combined for 17 penalties. The Union and Newton County faithful were there to see it all.
The Cougars had 70 yards passing and 148 yards on the ground. The Jackets had 33 passing yards and 103 yards rushing. The leading rusher for the Cougars was LT. Phillips he had 66 yards. Carlos Hickmon and Ky’Yon Harris combined for 93 rushing yards for the Yellow Jackets.
Newton County quarterback Grey Hale had 70 yards through the air and a touchdown.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Union Yellow Jackets were led by Carlos Hickmon who had 10 tackles, a sack and two tackles for loss. Tank Haralson had five solo tackles; Tristan Wallace had four tackles; Ky’Yon Harris had four tackles and a tackle for loss. Nate Killen and Davarian McDonald each had three tackles and a tackle for loss. Eli Rigdon continued the Jackets defensive efforts with 2.5 tackles and two solo tackles. William Hughlett had 1.5 tackles and a solo tackle. A. J. Wilson, Germaine Pickens, and Cameron Jackson each had a tackle, a solo tackle and Jackson also had an interception.
On Friday, the Jackets will travel to Ackerman to take on the Choctaw County Chargers. The Cougars will travel to Richland to play the Rangers.