Newton Wins State Title

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Newton, TEXAS– All season, Newton wasn’t afraid to vocalize its confidence in winning a state championship.

The Eagles made that promise a reality on Thursday, defeating defending champion Gunter, 40-16, in the Class 3A-Division II state title game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

“Everything just fell into place,” Newton coach W.T. Johnston said. “This is so sweet.”

Newton (15-0) scored 26 unanswered points in the second half to sink the Tigers.

The win secured Newton’s ninth undefeated season in school history and its first state title since 2005.

Noah Williams earned offensive MVP honors with 143 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Gunter saw its 31-game win streak snapped.

“Once we got down, we didn’t panic,” Williams said. “We scored a couple touchdowns there and it lit a fire under us.”

Newton looked primed early to finish off its undefeated season.

A Tamauzia Brown interception – his 12th of the season – led to a 28-yard touchdown run by Darwin Barlow with 3:59 left in the opening quarter.

Gunter, after not recording a first down on its first three drives, responded with a touchdown drive of its own.

Peyton Lowe finished off an 8-play drive with a 3-yard touchdown run to even the score at seven after a quarter.

It was the connection of Williams and quarterback Josh Foster that let the Eagles regain the lead.

Foster found Williams for an 11-yard score on the next drive.

It was the last touchdown of the first half for either team as the Eagles’ defense allowed just another field goal to a Gunter offense that was averaging over 40 points a game.

For most of the third quarter, Gunter was the better – and less mistake-prone – team.

Foster fumbled on Newton’s opening drive of the quarter.

Gunter (15-1) made the Eagles pay with a 23-yard touchdown pass from Daylan Bower to Braiden Clopton.

The 16-14 lead was Gunter’s only of the game.

Foster threw an interception on Newton’s ensuing drive but a drive later, turned to Williams.

Foster found Williams for a 66-yard touchdown pass on the final play of the third quarter to restore the lead.

“It was my last game and I knew I needed to step up,” Williams said. “And I did.”

Newton then dominated in the final quarter.

The Eagles scored 20 points in the first 4:35 of the fourth quarter to blow the game open.

In total, Newton outscored Gunter 26 to 6 in the second half.

Corbin Foster earned defensive MVP honors with 15 tackles, including a sack.

Barlow finished with 137 rushing yards and a touchdown while Brown added 118 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Brown’s 75-yard touchdown run midway through the fourth quarter sealed the win.

“After I scored, I knew we were going to win,” Brown said.

Newton will return 16 starters next season and Williams believes a repeat is possible.

“I think Newton will win it again next season,” Williams said.

“No doubt.”

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