By Tamas Mondovics
The odds of winning favored the undefeated Durant (11-1) in one of the most anticipated games of the 2012-2013 fall football season, which brought the Cougars against its cross town rival, the Newsome Wolves, back for a rematch.
But, in a game that offered no second chances, it was the Wolves turn to shine as the disappointment of the Cougars was without a doubt equal to the level of excitement for unpredicted winner.
The close game was decided by a number of mistakes on the part of the Cougars midway through the fourth quarter, resulting in a 24-14 visiting Newsome victory upset that eliminated the previously unbeaten Durant.
With the 7A-Region 2 semifinal win, Newsome avenged a 38-28 loss to the Cougars earlier in the season, which ultimately led the Wolves to reach the post season as the Class 7A-8 district runner-up team.
Along with their first-ever perfect season behind them, Durant entered the regional semifinals sporting a solid 34-7 win against the Tampa Bay Tech Titans extending the program’s much admired winning streak.
But, with a 52-7 win against the Gaither Cowboys, Newsome also managed to advance to face-off Durant.
The re-match, however, showed no sign of inferiority on the part of the Wolves led by program head coach Kenneth Hiscock.
A 14-0 Newsome lead, with a touchdown in each of the first two quarters was by no means anticipated by the home team, who replied back with two TDs in the third led by Cougars senior Jamarlon Hamilton.
“Our main goal was to limit mistakes,” Hiscock said. “I am impressed with way we played.”
Between Clint Carnell, who ran for a game-high 109 yards and quarterback Will Worth, who posted 8-of-11 for 111 yards as well as a touchdown and had 101 yards rushing and a team that had to play its best, Newsome proved its right to be in the 2012 FHSAA Class 7A Football Championship bracket.
Newsome went on to battle Kissimmee Osceola in the 7A region final game in hopes of a state appearance, but with a 21-18 loss, Hiscock’s boys fell short of reaching their goal.
For more information about the season please visit www.fhsaa.org.
