NEWTON FALLS OUTLASTS EP
NEWTON FALLS, OH- The Newton Falls Tigers looked to open up their season with a victory on their own turf, and did just that to the tune of 48-34 over East Palestine on Friday Night.
The Tigers stormed out of the gates with a combined 42 points in the first half, while only giving up a pair of Bulldog scores and the mid-way point. However, the Bulldogs would bounce back in the second act, outscoring the Tigers 22-6 to build momentum toward Week 2.
The Newton Falls Tigers started the game with a rush, as Kegan Howard scored a 6-yard rushing touchdown, taking an early lead of 6-0 in the first quarter. However, the point-after attempt was missed, leaving the score at 6-0.
East Palestine responded by receiving the kickoff but was unable to capitalize, resulting in a punt to Newton Falls. The Tigers quickly extended their lead with a 60-yard rushing touchdown by Carter Rapczak, putting them ahead 12-0 after a successful point-after attempt by Nick Lampman.
East Palestine managed to break through as RJ May returned a kickoff for a 90-yard touchdown, narrowing the gap to 14-6 after a missed extra point.
The first quarter ended with Newton Falls leading 14-6.
In the second quarter, the Tigers continued to control the game. Gage Phares rushed for a 6-yard touchdown, and Caden Short added a 13-yard rushing touchdown. The Tigers’ defense also recovered a fumble from East Palestine. With successful point-after attempts by Nick Lampman, Newton Falls extended their lead to 35-6 by halftime.
The third quarter saw East Palestine make an attempt at a comeback. Jesse Lipp rushed for a 5-yard touchdown, and Tanner Morrow rushed for a successful two-point conversion, bringing the Bulldogs’ score to 18. However, Newton Falls responded with a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Gage Phares, increasing their lead to 48-18.
East Palestine fought valiantly in the fourth quarter, with Zach Schnelle and RJ May each adding a rushing touchdown, along with successful two-point conversions. Despite their efforts, the final score remained 48-34 in favor of Newton Falls.
Kegan Howard finished 7/10 for 76 yards and a score under center, while posting 31 yards on the ground and adding another TD along the way. Carter Rapczak led all rushers with 146 yards on 11 totes, and punched in for scores twice. Caden Short ran for 35 yards, Gage Phares ran for 97 on 13 carries and found the endzone twice as well. Jesse Chitwood made the most of his one reception by finding the endzone.
For East Palestine, Owen Jurjavcic went 7/12 through the air for 65 yards and a tuddy, while showing off the ground game as well with 13 carries for 67 yards. The Bulldog rushing attack was paced by senior Jesse Lipp on 13 carries for 65 yards and a pair of scores. Freshman RJ May had six carries for 40 yards on the ground and 3 receptions for 39 yards and a score while returning a kick for a touchdown as well.
