Newman Catholic Wins 8-Player Football Title

Monday, November 14th, 2022 -- 6:02 AM

Newman Catholic (12-0) won its second consecutive State 8-Player Football Tournament championship by ambushing Belmont (10-2) 54-0 at South Wood County Stadium Saturday afternoon.

The Fighting Cardinals’ defense and the Braves’ costly turnovers early in the game was the catalyst in the lopsided shutout. Belmont gained just 13 yards of total offense in the game and turned the ball over five times.

Thomas Bates and Conner Krach each eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark for Newman Catholic. Bates rushed for 108 yards and two scores, and Krach ran for 101 yards and three touchdowns. Krach also completed 4-of-6 passes for 86 yards and a pair of scores. Bates caught three passes for 81 yards and an additional two touchdowns. 

Belmont was led on offense by Noah Fritz, who ran 10 times for 25 yards, and Kolby Lancaster who completed 2-of-6 passes for 11 yards. Brady Reichers was the leading receiver with a catch for nine yards.

The Fighting Cardinals compiled 320 yards of total offense in the game, including 234 yards rushing. They held a 14-2 advantage in first downs and accumulated more than double the possession time of Belmont.

Newman Catholic won its second championship in its third appearance in the title game. Belmont finishes runner-up in its first State Final experience.

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