Chapin, S.C. — A Night of High-Scoring Action as Newberry Bulldogs Face Tough Loss
Fans gathered under the lights of Chapin’s football field last night for what turned out to be a thrilling showdown between the Newberry Bulldogs and the Chapin Eagles. What was initially supposed to be a Friday night spectacle was moved to Thursday due to weather concerns, but the energy remained electric as both teams brought their A-game in this intense match.
The Bulldogs, coming in with a 2-2 record, faced their first true road test of the season against the undefeated Eagles, who stood strong at 4-0. By the end of the night, Newberry found themselves on the losing end of a 42-37 score, but that hardly tells the whole story of a game filled with heart, hustle, and nail-biting moments.
Early Stumbles but Fast Recovery
Chapin kicked off the game with confidence, driving down the field for an early touchdown to put them on the board first. The Bulldogs struggled initially, punting on their first drive, but credit the defense for stepping up and getting the ball back. They quickly turned things around when quarterback Kenton Caldwell connected with Isaiah Glymph for a huge 56-yard reception, placing the Bulldogs inside the five-yard line. Although they couldn’t quite punch it in for a touchdown, a field goal put them on the board with a score of 7-3.
Chapin responded with a lengthy scoring drive, capped by a one-yard touchdown run from Cole Martin, to extend their lead to 14-3. But just when it seemed the Eagles were firmly in control, Newberry began to show their resilience with Caldwell’s remarkable quarterback skills. He rushed three yards into the end zone, narrowing the deficit to 14-9.
A Back-and-Forth Affair
As the second quarter unfolded, the air was thick with anticipation. Chapin struck quickly again with a 25-yard touchdown reception by Khalen Bostick. Newberry wasn’t about to back down and answered right back with a spectacular 51-yard touchdown reception by Cash Brown, showcasing his agility as he dodged three defenders before scoring.
With Chapin still leading at 21-16, the Bulldogs switched quarterbacks, bringing in Bryce Satterwhite. His connection with Calab Levy resulted in a stunning 60-plus yard touchdown that flipped the score in Newberry’s favor for the first time at 23-21. However, the Eagles quickly reclaimed the lead with another touchdown by Bostick, wrapping up a high-scoring first half at 28-23.
Critical Moments and Tough Calls
As halftime approached, the Bulldogs were poised for a score, pushing deep into Chapin’s territory. But just as they attempted to clock the ball with mere seconds left, the referees called the half over, leaving Newberry fans boiling with frustration. “It was a critical drive,” commented Bulldogs head coach Cedrick Jeter. “I can’t explain anything on the officiating side, but I do know it hasn’t been equal.” The team went into halftime trailing, but spirits were still high.
A Resilient Comeback
The second half opened with a quiet offensive showing for Newberry. Chapin quickly capitalized, scoring again with a stunning 69-yard touchdown reception, again from Bostick, pushing the Eagles’ lead to 35-23. While both teams battled through a scoreless third quarter, Newberry’s defense shined, highlighted by Steven Joseph’s interception in the end zone that halted Chapin’s momentum.
As the fourth quarter rolled around, it became a race to the finish. In true bulldog fashion, Newberry mounted two impressive scoring drives. Caldwell showcased his skills, leading the team in a noteworthy comeback effort that included his own three-yard rushing touchdown. The Bulldogs tailored their efforts to close the gap, trailing at 42-37 with little time left on the clock.
The Heart of the Bulldogs
Despite their fierce rally, Newberry couldn’t recover the onside kick attempt, sealing their fate for the night. Coach Jeter remained optimistic after the game, telling players, “We are going to go 8-2 and make a playoffs run.” His confidence shines through, emphasizing that this tough schedule is just a stepping stone toward postseason success.
Next week, the Bulldogs will hit the road again, this time facing Fairfield Central (3-1). As they prepare for the upcoming challenge, one thing is clear: the heart of the Bulldogs is far from broken!
