By Robert Cole

For The Newberry Observer

Daniel Bannister runs for yardage against Wardlaw.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_Daniel-Bannister-runs-for-yardage-against-Wardlaw.jpgDaniel Bannister runs for yardage against Wardlaw. Robert Cole | For The Newberry Observer

NEWBERRY — Newberry Academy lost to Wardlaw on Friday, 38-6, but there was still reason to celebrate. The Academy has been enjoying the return of varsity football this season, and Friday they celebrated Homecoming.

Before the game, a large home crowd, including a strong turnout of alumni, honored the lone senior football player, Dylan Mackeben.

At halftime, fans cheered as Marley Bowers was named Homecoming Queen. There may not have been as much to cheer about during the game, but the Eagles have proven to be a resilient bunch.

Newberry Academy has faced the daunting task of competing in a region that has produced seven out of the last 10 SCISA 8-man state champions.

In each game this year, they would have been cast as the underdog, but they have battled and won the respect of each opponent.

Against Wardlaw, the offense was stifled for much of the first half, but some of the problems were self-inflicted as penalties helped keep them pinned in their own territory. Despite some big hits and tackles for loss by the Eagles on defense, Wardlaw was able to carve out a 14-0 lead by the end of the first quarter.

The Eagles offense started to get on track in the second period, but they were unable to generate any points. Wardlaw was leading 30-0 at the half. Things turned around for the Eagles in the third period. The defense got things started with a nice stand on fourth down deep in Newberry territory.

Then the Eagles offense put together a long drive that culminated with a six yard touchdown run by Daniel Bannister just as the fourth quarter got under way.

Quarterback Tyrese Taylor ran the ball in for the two-point conversion. Wardlaw would answer with another score and controlled the rest of the game.

The Eagles take to the road to finish their season, as they take on Andrew Jackson Academy in Ehrhardt.