Newberry Eagles are Ready to Soar This Season!
Newberry, SC – The excitement is palpable as the Newberry Academy Eagles gear up for an action-packed football season! After an impressive showing last year, the team is ready to shed its reputation for finishing at the bottom of the pile. With a motivated group of players and a strong sense of camaraderie, the Eagles have transformed their approach and are looking forward to making a mark in South Carolina high school football.
Meet the Dynamic Duo
At the heart of the team’s newfound optimism are Javon Conway and Thomas McLean, who together form what may be the best running back duo in Newberry County, if not the entire state! Last season, these two standout players combined for over 1,700 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. But their talents extend beyond the offensive side of the ball, as they also recorded a remarkable 146 total tackles and created three turnovers.
Javon, who made waves as an eighth grader playing on varsity last year, is eager to step up as a freshman this season. “I want to thank my coaches for helping me grow over the last year. I’ve gotten stronger, bigger, and faster this off-season, so I should take people by surprise again this year,” he shared. His enthusiasm is infectious, and he reflected on his previous experience with a smile, stating, “I wouldn’t say it was intimidating, but it was an experience for me to play varsity as an eighth grader.”
Thomas, who has taken on a leadership role, is excited to mentor his younger teammates. “I try to instill hard work in my guys,” he emphasized. “If you don’t work hard, then you are not going to get anywhere.” With last season’s struggles behind them (they won just two games), Thomas believes that their hard work will pay off. The Eagles showed real improvement towards the end of the last season and came close to making the playoffs, which would have been a monumental achievement for the program.
Aiming for the Playoffs
Head Coach Rich Doran shares the players’ enthusiasm and is keen on ending a 26-year playoff drought. Describing last season as one of the most talented groups he’s had, he highlighted the incredible synergy between his dynamic running backs: “When you look at their numbers, what one does for the other is amazing,” he remarked. Coach Doran is also thrilled about his offensive line, stating that they are among the best he’s seen in his tenure. With the return of injured senior players and experienced starters, the team feels confident heading into the new season.
Emory Pye, a senior wide receiver and defensive end, has also been impressive during fall camp, catching every pass thrown his way, which is a promising sign for the Eagles’ offense!
Season Kickoff
The Eagles will kick off their season against Laurens Academy at Setzler Field on the campus of Newberry College. Their schedule includes other challenging matchups, but with their current momentum, there’s a buzz of excitement surrounding every practice as fans eagerly await their inaugural game on August 23.
The team is looking forward to showing their growth and determination this season, setting their sights on victory! Here’s to the Newberry Academy Eagles and a season filled with hard work, teamwork, and hopefully many triumphs!
2024 Schedule
- Aug. 23 – vs. Laurens Academy (Newberry College)
- Aug. 30 – @ Richard Winn Academy
- Sept. 6 – @ Wardlaw Academy
- Sept. 13 – @ King Academy
- Sept. 20 – vs. Oakbrook Prep
- Sept. 27 – @ Laurens Academy
- Oct. 4 – vs. Richard Winn Academy
- Oct. 11 – vs. Wardlaw Academy
- Oct. 25 – vs. King Academy
- Nov. 1 – @ Oakbrook Prep
All games are set to kick off at 7:30 p.m., but be sure to check in case of time changes. Here’s to a thrilling season and a fresh start for the Eagles!
