The football seasons for both Newport and Newport Central Catholic ended in disappointment as they faced strong opponents in the regional championship round. Newport Central Catholic was defeated by Campbellsville, 28-0, while Newport fell to Kentucky Country Day (KCD) with a score of 37-6. Both teams, having made the trip to familiar locations, returned home without a win.
Newport Falls to KCD in Regional Championship
In a challenging matchup against KCD, Newport struggled to maintain momentum throughout the game. The Bearcats established an early advantage with a first quarter pick-six, propelling them to a 17-0 lead at halftime. Newport managed to narrow the gap to 17-6 with a touchdown pass from Jaden Conley to Kendell Buck-Barber. However, KCD responded decisively, scoring 20 points in the fourth quarter to secure their second consecutive regional title.
KCD’s offensive performance was highlighted by Parker Rudolph, who led the rushing attack with a remarkable 117 yards, including a 74-yard run that pushed the score to 31-6. Newport’s running game faced significant challenges, amassing only 84 yards on 26 carries. Conley completed 129 passing yards but also threw two interceptions, contributing to Newport’s loss. With this defeat, Newport concluded their season with an overall record of 8-5.
Cambellsville Dominates Newport Central Catholic
In the other regional championship, Newport Central Catholic faced Campbellsville, a team they had encountered in the playoffs for three straight years. The Eagles quickly established their dominance, scoring two touchdowns within the first nine minutes of the game, including a 59-yard pass and a 48-yard fumble return. By the end of the first quarter, the score stood at 14-0.
Newport Central Catholic’s offense struggled throughout the game, failing to score any points. Their defense was unable to contain Campbellsville’s offensive plays, which led to a final score of 28-0. Newport Central Catholic also finished their season with a record of 8-5, leaving both teams to reflect on their performances as they look toward the future.
Both Newport teams faced formidable opponents in the postseason, and while they experienced significant setbacks, their dedication and hard work throughout the season have laid the groundwork for potential improvement in the years to come.
