Newton Eagles Battle Hard but Fall to Paris Tigers, 34–21
The Newton Eagles hit the road Friday night to face off against the Paris Tigers in a tough conference matchup that showcased the grit, heart, and growing offensive firepower of this year’s Newton squad. Despite a strong start through the air and several highlight-reel plays, the Eagles fell short, 34–21, after Paris’ ground game dominated the second half.
Fast Start for Both Sides
Paris opened the first quarter with a pair of quick touchdowns from running back Carter Crippes and receiver Dawson Rogers, jumping to a 14–0 lead. Newton quickly answered when quarterback Hayden Mulvey found Quincy Fulton for a 26-yard touchdown strike, cutting the deficit to 14–6.
But the Tigers continued to push the tempo. Crippes added another score early in the second quarter, and a defensive pick-six by Paris’ Marcus Hutchings put Newton in a 26–6 hole.
That didn’t rattle the Eagles. Mulvey regrouped and delivered two scoring drives before halftime, connecting with Dexter Fulton twice — an 11-yard touchdown and a clutch 4-yard pass just before the break — bringing Newton within striking distance at 26–21 at the half.
Defensive Adjustments and Missed Chances
Newton’s defense settled in during the second half, led by the strong tackling of Parker Harris and Dominic Baltzell, along with Grayson Lingafelter’s presence in the trenches. The Eagles held the Tigers scoreless in the third quarter and came up with big stops deep in their own territory, including a key red-zone stand midway through the period.
However, missed opportunities on offense — including a fourth-down incompletion inside the 10-yard line and a stalled drive following a fumble recovery — kept Newton from reclaiming momentum.
The Tigers finally sealed the win late in the fourth quarter when Rogers broke free for a 57-yard touchdown run, putting the game out of reach at 34–21.
Mulvey Leads Offensive Surge
Despite the loss, Newton’s offense was efficient and balanced through the air. Junior quarterback Hayden Mulvey turned in another strong performance, completing 22 of 43 passes for 272 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding 7 rushing yards.
His top targets were the Fulton brothers — Dexter and Quincy — who combined for 14 receptions, 184 yards, and three touchdowns. Dexter’s speed and route-running gave Paris trouble all night, and Quincy provided consistent yards after the catch to move the chains.
Eli Wolf added 47 receiving yards on four receptions and a two-point conversion, while Maddox Horner contributed both on the ground and through the air, totaling 45 all-purpose yards.
Defensive Highlights
On the defensive side, Parker Harris led Newton with 13 total tackles, flying to the ball all evening. Dominic Baltzell and Grayson Lingafelter each tallied 8 tackles, while Dexter Fulton and Eli Wolf added key stops at critical moments.
Ian Kessler came up with a big interception in the second quarter, returning it 13 yards and helping spark Newton’s comeback surge. Carson Jones, Harrison Kinkade, and Reed Tharp also provided solid support in the front seven against a Paris team that heavily relied on the run.
Paris Controls the Ground Game
Paris’ offense was powered by its rushing attack, which amassed 343 yards on 42 carries. Crippes led the Tigers with 183 yards and two touchdowns, while Rogers racked up 161 yards rushing, a 34-yard touchdown catch, and another score on the ground.
The Tigers’ ability to control the clock — holding the ball for over 27 minutes — ultimately wore down Newton’s defense late in the game.
Newton will look to bounce back next week when they return home for another critical matchup on Homecoming night.
Stat Box — Newton at Paris (10/3/25)
| Category | Newton | Paris |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 21 | 34 |
| First Downs | 17 | 18 |
| Rushing Yards | 30 | 343 |
| Passing Yards | 272 | 46 |
| Total Offense | 302 | 389 |
| Turnovers | 1 (INT) | 1 (INT) |
| Penalties / Yards | 1 / 10 | 7 / 65 |
| Time of Possession | 20:55 | 27:05 |
| 3rd Down Efficiency | 2 / 9 | 4 / 8 |
Eagle Leaders
- Passing: Hayden Mulvey — 22/43, 272 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT
- Receiving: Dexter Fulton — 7 rec, 98 yds, 2 TD
- Receiving: Quincy Fulton — 7 rec, 86 yds, 1 TD
- Receiving: Eli Wolf — 4 rec, 47 yds, 2-pt conversion
- Tackles: Parker Harris — 13; Dominic Baltzell — 8; Grayson Lingafelter — 8
- Interception: Ian Kessler — 1 INT (13 yds)
