NEWBERRY — The Newberry Academy football team ended their season on a high note, beating the Raiders of Jefferson Davis 28-20 on Senior Night. Graduating fall athletes were honored at halftime.
Four seniors who helped resurrect football at the Academy played a crucial role Friday night. Tyrese Taylor, Landen York, Tabb French and Michael Shaw all played both ways and had big plays during the game.
The Eagles took the opening kickoff and drove to the Raiders 5-yard line before the drive stalled and they turned the ball over on downs.
Neither team was effective on offense the remainder of the first period.
In the second period, Taylor made his mark, intercepting a pass on defense and leading the offense to a touchdown. The drive culminated with a 17-yard pass from Taylor to York. The Eagles took their 6-0 lead into halftime.
The third quarter saw action from the start, as the Raiders scored quickly, tying the game at 6-6. Jefferson Davis attempted an onside kick after their score, but Javon Gallman scooped up the kick and returned it 57 yards for a touchdown.
The two-point conversion was a success, and the Eagles led 14-6.
The Raiders answered on their next play from scrimmage, scoring on an 80-yard run. Their extra point attempt was not successful, and the score stood 14-12. With just over six minutes remaining in the third period, the Eagles counterpunched with a 71-yard pass from Taylor to York, bringing the score to 20-12.
Several drives later, Newberry drove deep into Raiders territory, but turned the ball over. Jefferson Davis lost yardage back to their own 17 after a sack by Shaw, but as the fourth period started, they connected on an 83-yard pass on a double reverse and tied the score at 20-20.
On the Eagles next play from scrimmage, Daniel Bannister ran 71 yards for a touchdown.
Neither team would score again, and the Eagle defense ended Raider drives with interceptions by Taylor and French.
Taylor finished with 259 yards passing, 45 yards rushing and intercepted four passes on defense. Bannister rushed for 186 yards and a touchdown, caught three passes for 19 yards, and had a sack.
York finished with 201 yards receiving and two touchdowns. French caught five passes for 30 yards and had an interception. Also on defense, sacks were recorded by Austin DeHart and Bryce Horne, and Will Nobles and Jimmy Franklin had tackles for a loss.
Newberry Academy finished the year 3-6.
