The Newton County Academy Generals claimed the District 3-1A championship on Friday night.
The Generals ran roughshod over visiting Ben’s Ford as they cruised to a 44-14 win.
NCA finishes the regular season with an 8-1 record and will be the No. 4 seed in the Class 1A playoffs. The Generals will have a first-round bye and host the winner of Claiborne and Delta in the second round.
Nelson said the Generals took care of business with the help of a punishing running attack.
“I thought we played an all-around complete game,” Nelson said. “When you have six possessions and score six touchdowns, that’s a good night. We went up 16-0 and led 30-6 at the half. I challenged them at halftime not to give up and finish the game and they did that. We were able to learn bench and get the clock running and that’s always a good thing. It was a good win and I’m proud of our kids. Now it’s on to the playoffs. We get a first-round bye, so I guess we get to go trick-or-treating this week.”
NCA got the ball to start the game and got a 69-yard run from Savell on the second play from scrimmage. Taylor Burt ran in the try for two and NCA led 8-0.
Ben’s Ford was forced to punt and NCA then went 52 yards in nine plays as Savell scored on a 9-yard run. Savell also ran in the two-point conversion as the Generals led 16-0.
Ben’s Ford responded with a seven-play, 54-yard drive, scoring on a 9-yard drive to cut the lead to 16-6 at the half.
The Generals added two more scores in the second quarter on runs of 53 and 6 yards by Savell to take a 30-6 lead at the half.
NCA added two more scores in the third quarter as Savell scored on a 41-yard run and a 9-yard run to take a 44-6 lead and get the clock running.
Ben’s Ford scored on a 36-yard pass and converted the try for two for the final margin of 44-14.
NCA had 432 yards of total offense while Ben’s Ford had just 123 yards. The Generals rushed for 354 yards and threw for 78.
Savell had another big night with 204 yards and six touchdowns on 12 carries. Taylor Burt had 89 yards on 13 carries and was 3-of-5 passing for 74 yards.
Savell led the defense with 8.5 tackles while Grady Bergeron had 7.5 tackles with two interceptions. Ethan Woodham had seven tackles while Cooper Thrash had 6.5 tackles. Amos Castilo had six tackles while Burt and Josh Fletcher had 5.5 tackles. Eli Herrington also had 4.5 tackles.
