NEWBERRY — The Eagles were flying high in 2024 after breaking a nearly 30-year playoffs drought, but they were knocked down to the ground in 2025 after a win less season. They are optimistic about the 2026 as they are ushering in a new era of Newberry Academy football. Benji Sease was hired this summer to replace former head coach Rich Doran and Kenny Ray Atkerson will serve as Director of Football Operations.
Sease will have pretty much a blank canvass this season as only one player remains left from the 2024 playoffs team. His name is Javon Conway and he is still one of the most electric players in the county. He mostly played at the quarterback position last season, but he is true running back and even better play maker. He rushed for at least 800 yards as an eighth grader and a freshman with 10 plus touchdowns in each of his first two seasons. Hopefully, the Eagles can find an answer at the quarterback position so that Conway could back to receiving the hand off instead of handing it off.
2025 overall record: 0-9; missed playoffs
2026 record prediction: 2-8; misses playoffs
Key returning players: Javon Conway(junior, ATH), Gavin Rosemond(sophomore, WR/DB)
2026 Schedule
08/21 @ Cambridge Academy
08/28 vs. Oaktown Academy
09/04 @ Richard Winn Academy
09/11 vs. The King’s Academy
09/18 @ Wardlaw Academy
09/25 vs. Community Christian *HOMECOMING*
10/02 vs. Palmetto Christian
10/09 @ W.W. King Academy
10/23 @ Laurens Academy
10/30 vs. Cambridge Academy *SENIOR NIGHT*
Kickoff for all games will be at 7:30 p.m., but any changes will be posted on the Newberry Observer’s Facebook page.