NEWBERRY — Newberry Academy played a home football game Thursday for the first time in more than 20 years.

Unfortunately, neither the tropical-inspired rainfall nor the visiting Crusaders of Northside Christian would allow for a proper celebration.

The Crusaders won 44-8, dominating Newberry from the outset. Newberry won the coin toss, but was unable to move the ball on their first series, and were forced to punt.

Northside methodically drove down the field, but turned the ball over on a fumble inside the 10-yard line. The fumble was recovered by Hunter Taylor.

The Eagles moved the chains a few times, including a 19-yard pass from Tyrese Taylor to Daniel Bannister. Their drive eventually stalled and they were forced to punt again. The Crusaders put together another long drive culminating in a touchdown and two-point conversion at the start of the second quarter, making the score 8-0.

Newberry was intercepted twice in the remainder of the second quarter, with both turnovers leading to Crusader touchdowns. The score was 30-0 at the half, during which very heavy rainfall began.

The teams traded scores, including a 60-yard touchdown run by Bannister for the Eagles, but the damage was already done. After another Crusader score, the game was called.

Despite the loss and dreary weather, the fans of Newberry Academy were happy to play on their home field again.

The Eagles host Wardlaw Academy on Sept. 9.

Dylan Morris (28) takes down the Northside Christian Crusader quarterback.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_Dylan-Morris-28-hits-the-Crusader-quarterback.jpgDylan Morris (28) takes down the Northside Christian Crusader quarterback. Robert Cole | For The Newberry Observer

Newberry Academy’s Daniel Bannister runs in a downpour. The Crusaders won 44-8, dominating Newberry from the outset. The game was called because of heavy rainfall.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_Bannister-runs-in-a-downpour.jpgNewberry Academy’s Daniel Bannister runs in a downpour. The Crusaders won 44-8, dominating Newberry from the outset. The game was called because of heavy rainfall. Robert Cole | For The Newberry Observer

By Robert Cole

For The Newberry Observer