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It was a night Newton football fans won’t soon forget.
The Newton Eagles battled through adversity, answered every challenge and delivered a dramatic 28-22 victory over Chester High School on Friday, October 30, earning a first-round IHSA playoff victory and advancing to the Sweet 16.
In a game that had everything, the Eagles showed tremendous determination, finding a way to finish when it mattered most. The victory was especially meaningful for Newton and the Jasper County community, which had waited far too long to celebrate another playoff win.
Newton and Chester were scoreless through the opening quarter before the offenses came alive in the second. The teams traded touchdowns throughout the quarter, heading into halftime tied at 14-14.
The Eagles opened the scoring when Hayden Mulvey connected with Eli Wolf for a 10-yard touchdown. After Chester answered, Mulvey again found Wolf for a five-yard scoring connection, helping Newton keep pace as the teams headed into the locker room.
Newton took control of the momentum in the third quarter. Maddox Horner found the end zone on an 11-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Eagles a 21-14 advantage.
Chester answered in the fourth quarter, narrowing the margin to 21-22 after a successful two-point conversion. With the game on the line, Newton needed one more response.
And the Eagles delivered.
With just 10 seconds remaining, Mulvey connected with Wolf for a 17-yard touchdown pass. Henry Will added the extra point, putting Newton ahead 28-22 and sending the home crowd into celebration.
The victory was a team effort, with the Eagles producing 368 yards of total offense, including 174 rushing yards and 194 passing yards. Newton recorded 20 first downs and converted eight of 12 third-down opportunities.
Mulvey completed 15 of 24 passes for 194 yards and three touchdowns. Wolf was on the receiving end of all three scoring passes, finishing with four receptions for 35 yards.
Horner turned in an impressive performance, carrying the ball 23 times for 121 yards and a touchdown. His performance was particularly special as he reached the 1,000-yard rushing milestone for the season..
Quincy Fulton added another major contribution to the offensive attack, hauling in eight receptions for 129 yards while also rushing for 44 yards.
Defensively, the Eagles battled throughout the evening against a Chester offense that produced 250 total yards. Parker Harris led Newton with seven total tackles, while Harrison Kinkade recorded six tackles, including a sack. Owen Ulm also contributed six tackles, and Grayson Lingafelter finished with five tackles and a blocked punt.
The Eagles’ ability to respond under pressure ultimately made the difference. After Chester took the lead late in the fourth quarter, Newton put together the drive that produced the game-winning touchdown with just 10 seconds remaining.
Following the historic victory, Head Coach Jason Fulton reflected on what the win meant to the team and community:
“What a game! So proud of the team for fighting through adversity and coming up with a big playoff win. Newton and Jasper County was way over due for a playoff win and we are so happy that we finally got over the hump. This game will go down as one of the greatest games in Newton Football history!”
And it is difficult to argue with that assessment.
The Eagles now turn their attention to the next challenge, as their playoff journey continues into the Sweet 16.
Newton will travel to Johnston City on Friday, November 6, for the second round of the IHSA Class playoffs. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The Eagles have earned the opportunity to keep playing, and after Friday night’s performance, Newton Eagle fans have plenty of reasons to believe this season still has more memorable moments ahead.
One thing is certain: Friday night was a victory that will be remembered in Newton football history for years to come.
