Newberry First Half Recap

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Newberry High Football Enjoys Undefeated
First Half of Schedule

The first half of the high school football schedule is in the rearview mirror and the Newberry High Panthers appear to be driving toward a second consecutive playoff appearance. At our press time, the Panthers boasted a 5-0 record (1-0 in Class 2B-District 4) and has been dominating both sides of the ball. Newberry, as we went to press, was ranked fourth in Class 2B.

(Photo: Newberry RB Antwan Ivey gets ready to return a punt)

The Panthers wrapped up the first half with two consecutive shutout victories, including a 46-0 rout of District rival Union County and a 47-0 pasting of Hawthorne.

“Shutouts are great things, but how we play the game and our overall effort has been phenomenal,” says Newberry coach Tommy Keeler.

The Panthers’ defense has been nothing short of outstanding, as the unit has not given up more than 14 points in any contest this season.

The Panthers’ offense also has been potent, scoring 40 or more points in three consecutive games before our press time. Newberry is led by its tough running game. RB Antwan Ivey, who had almost 800 yards and 12 TDs in the first five games, FBs Xavier Woods and Alex Lewis and QB Guy Brown lead the Panthers’ ground game. “They’re getting it done for us week in and week out,” says Keeler. “With Ivey and my two fullbacks and Guy Brown running the option, we have a lot of people carrying the ball and making it tough on other defenses.”