By By Robbie Robertson/EMG sports writer
October 4, 2003
PHILADELPHIA Both coaches thought it would be a hard-fought game between Philadelphia and Newton.
Both coaches were right.
In a hard-hitting Region 5-2A contest, Philadelphia used two big second-half turnovers to hold on for a 15-8 win over Newton at Harpole Stadium Friday night.
The Tornadoes improved to 4-2 on the season and 1-0 in 5-2A play and travel to Lake next week. Newton falls to 2-4 and 1-1 in division play and takes a break from division play and travels to West Lauderdale.
The Tornadoes used a punishing running game and the hard running of Desmond Murray to take the victory. Murray had 167 yards on 26 carries while the Tornadoes had 265 yards of total offense. Newton managed only 160 yards of total offense.
hats are off to Newton. They played hard and gave us problems with their quickness.
It didn't take Philadelphia long to find the end zone. On their first possession, the Tornadoes needed only four plays to drive 45 yards. Dustin Crockett capped off the drive on a 2-yard plunge with 9:59 left in the first quarter. Porter Jordan's PAT was good and Philadelphia held an early 7-0
lead.
The score remained at 7-0 with Newton's Orlando Nettles and Philly's Jamaal Peebles recovering fumbles.
Newton coach Pepper Posey said. "The kids know that this is one that we had the opportunity to win. The kids played hard, we just made two mistakes that really hurt us in the second half."
The Tigers got a big break to start the second half as Eddie Washington returned the kickoff 57 yards to the Philadelphia 23. Two plays later, Travaone Evans, who led Newton with 77 yards on 11 carries, went in from 18 yards out with 11 minutes left in the third quarter. Evans ran in the two-point conversion and Newton led 8-7.
Philadelphia answered right back with a four-play 53-yard drive. Crockett, who finished with 87 yards on 11 carries, had a big 28-yard run on the drive and capped it off with a 14-yard run with 8:53 left in the third.
Murray ran in the two-point conversion and Philly led 15-8.
The Tigers then went on their best drive of the night as they put together five first downs and drove down to the Philadelphia 10 where they faced a fourth-and-6 play.
On that play, Peebles picked off a Montez Moore pass to end the drive.
stall," Posey said. "Then on fourth down, we try to run a middle screen and
didn't do a good job of faking the play and they made a good play on the
ball."
For Brown and the Tornado defense, it was the play of the game.
staying at home and stepped right in there and made the play. I thought our
defense did a good job of holding them under 200 yards of offense and
containing their running game."
After the Tigers forced a Philadelphia punt, the Newton offense got in
gear again. Starting at their own 20, Newton drove to the Philadelphia 40
in seven plays but Moore fumbled the snap and Philadelphia's James Seales
recovered to end the last Newton threat.