The Newton Eagles kicked off their 2025 football season in commanding fashion Friday night, clinching a 35-21 victory over Bethalto Civic Memorial under the lights at home. With a blend of explosive offense, timely defensive plays, and unwavering execution, Newton set the tone for what could be a memorable season.
It was a defensive spark that ignited Newton’s first points. Senior Drake Wolf leaped to intercept a pass midway through the first quarter, giving the Eagles prime field position. On the ensuing drive, Wolf powered in from six yards out to give Newton an early 7-0 advantage.
A balanced offensive approach extended the lead in the second quarter when quarterback Hayden Mulvey drove the ball in from two yards to push the lead to 14-0.
Bethalto responded late in the half, as senior QB Luke Clouser connected with Jacob Flowers on a 12-yard strike. That cut the deficit to 14-7 heading into halftime.
The third quarter was a whirlwind. Civic Memorial surged to tie the game with a 21-yard run by Evan Spurgeon, but Newton responded rapidly. Mulvey found Dexter Fulton slipping behind the defense on a 19-yard scoring pass. On the very next possession, Wolf ripped off a 38-yard dash for another touchdown, transforming a tied game into a 27-14 Newton lead within minutes.
Though Civic Memorial clawed back with another Clouser touchdown pass, Newton delivered the final blows in the fourth. Mulvey found Wolf again—this time on a 34-yard touchdown—and then completed a two-point conversion pass to Fulton to seal the 35-21 win.
Newton’s offense totaled 356 yards, fueled by Mulvey’s impressive performance—20-of-28 passing for 244 yards and two touchdowns, plus a rushing score. Wolf was a true force with 65 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, a receiving touchdown, and that pivotal pick. Fulton was the workhorse of the receiving corps, hauling in 13 catches for 111 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, Newton’s front delivered too, adding two sacks and constant pressure. Owen Schackmann tallied 10 tackles (including a sack) while Dominic Baltzell added 12 tackles to anchor the defensive effort.
Coach [Coach’s Name] lauded the team’s all-around performance: “We had guys stepping up everywhere—on offense, defense, and special teams. That’s the kind of complete effort we’ll need all season,” he remarked.
Stat Box
GAME SUMMARY
Newton 35, Bethalto Civic Memorial 21
Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 — at Newton
Scoring by Quarter
Bethalto Civic Memorial …… 0 7 7 7 — 21
Newton ……………………………… 7 7 13 8 — 35
Scoring Plays
- Q1 — Drake Wolf 6-yd run (Henry Will kick)
- Q2 — Hayden Mulvey 2-yd run (Will kick)
- Q2 — Jacob Flowers 12-yd pass from Luke Clouser (Reed Wallace kick)
- Q3 — Evan Spurgeon 21-yd run (Wallace kick)
- Q3 — Dexter Fulton 19-yd pass from Mulvey (Will kick)
- Q3 — Wolf 38-yd run (kick blocked)
- Q3 — Parker Parnell 14-yd pass from Clouser (Wallace kick)
- Q4 — Wolf 34-yd pass from Mulvey (Fulton rush from Mulvey, 2-pt)
TEAM STATS
- First Downs: Bethalto 15, Newton 14
- Rushing Yards: Bethalto 168, Newton 102
- Passing Yards: Bethalto 139, Newton 254
- Total Offense: Bethalto 307, Newton 356
- Turnovers: Bethalto 2, Newton 0
TOP PERFORMERS — NEWTON
- QB Hayden Mulvey: 20-28, 244 yds, 2 TD; 17 rush yds, TD
- RB/WR Drake Wolf: 14 carries, 65 yds, 2 TD; 3 rec, 64 yds, rec TD; 1 INT
- WR Dexter Fulton: 13 rec, 111 yds, TD; 10 tackles
- WR Quincy Fulton: 5 rec, 79 yds; 23-yd kick return, 12-yd punt return
- LB Owen Schackmann: 10 tackles, 1 sack
- DL Dominic Baltzell: 12 tackles
Next Up
Newton (1-0) heads back on the road for Week 2, traveling to face Wesclin High School in Trenton, IL, with kickoff set for Friday, September 5, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
