A pair of struggling football teams will meet in Lake on Friday night as Newton comes to visit for homecoming.
Newton (0-6) has lost eight straight dating back to last season. Meanwhile Lake (2-4) has lost two straight.
Both teams have started off division play with a loss, making Friday night’s game a must-win game for both squads.
“It’s a big week for us,” Newton coach Zach Grady said. “It’s district play and both of us are looking for our first district win. We have to go in there and get ready to protect the football. Lake is aggressive up front and fill up gaps inside and try to get after your quarterback. It’s a must-win game for us and for them if we are going to make the playoffs. I don’t think anybody will downplay this one.”
Last year, Lake beat Newton 27-18.
“They are a typical Newton team,” Lake coach Tate Hanna said. “They are going to throw the football and push it vertical. They can score anytime from anywhere on the field. They are fast and aggressive. If we don’t prepare and don’t get better on offense, we will get our butts whipped for the third week in a row. They will come in here expecting to win and Grady will have them fired up. We better be prepared on the back half of defense. We have to consistently move the ball and eat up clock.”
