Mike Ridaught
On Wednesday, the Newberry football team had its scheduled game against P.K. Yonge canceled due to COVID-19 issues.
Fortunately, the Class 1A Panthers were able to add Class 5A Wakulla (Crawfordville) to ensure they played a game this week.
The visiting War Eagles (1-1) kicked a field goal in the first quarter and led 3-0 at the end of the first 12 minutes of play.
The Panthers (2-1) answered with a field goal of their own to tie the game at 3-3 with eight minutes to play in the first half.
However, Denzel Miller was a difference maker for Wakulla, finishing with three touchdowns (2 receiving, one rushing), and also two interceptions on defense, as the War Eagles pulled away from Newberry and handed the Panthers their first loss of the season with a 36-17 victory.
“We saw some positives last night but also too many mental lapses that cost us some big plays,” said Newberry football coach Ed Johnson. “Our guys fought for four quarters and that’s something we can build on going forward.”
Newberry is scheduled to host Hawthorne on Friday, Sept. 17. The Hornets had to reschedule their game at Suwannee (Live Oak) to Oct. 1 due to COVID-19 issues.
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