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Published Friday, November 14, 2008 in Sports
Photo by Bob Fraley
Newnan’s senior fullback Carson Carroll bulldozes his way to a first down with a nine-yard gain in the second quarter of Friday’s 55-0 win over Johnson of Savannah at Drake Stadium. The win was the Cougars’ fifth-straight shutout.
Cougars roll through fog for 5th-straight shutout
By Tommy Camp
The Times-Herald
In what was more a warm-up than a first round playoff test, the Newnan Cougars rolled over Johnson of Savannah in fog-shrouded Drake Stadium Friday night, 55-0.
The Cougars bolted into the lead in the first 83 seconds of the game and were halted only by their own liberal substitutions which began in the second quarter.
Newnan's vaunted defense, which registered its school record seventh shutout of the season and fifth in a row, turned out to be an offensive weapon Friday, scoring three touchdowns, two by Alec Ogletree, on a couple of interception returns and a blocked punt.
In addition, Alan Bonner ran a punt back for a 51-yard score as the Cougars tied the all-time NHS record with their 11th straight win.
"I'm just glad we lived to play another night," said coach Robert Herring who picked up his 301st career victory.
Newnan hosts the winner of Tift County and M.L. King game in next week's second round. Tift and MLK play Saturday night.
"Our kids responded just the way we wanted them to," Herring added, "by taking care of business."
The 55-points matched the season-high 55 Newnan scored against Lovejoy back on Sept. 12 and are the most a Newnan team has ever scored in the postseason, topping the previous record of 47 set against Riverdale in the first round of the 1985 post-season.
The Cougars led 35-0 at the end of the first quarter and 55-0 at halftime and Herring and his staff shuffled players in an out of the game over the final two periods which were played with a running (non-stop) clock.
"This was more nerve-wracking than a close win, trying to get everybody into the game," laughed defensive coordinator Mike McDonald.
Keandreas Wynn burst across the goal line from 15 yards out on Newnan's five-play, 59-yard opening drive to give the Cougars a 7-0 lead after Sam Taylor's PAT with 10:37 still to go in the first quarter. Wynn now has 18 rushing touchdowns on the year and four catching, 15 of his scores coming in the last six games.
Ogletree's interception moments later and 34-yard return, Newnan's first pick returned for a touchdown this year, gave Newnan a 14-0 advantage.
Nick Hill capped a nine-play, 55-yard march four minutes later with a three-yard run and it was 21-0.
Bonner upped it to 28-0 with 1:28 to go in the opening period when he raced 51 yards behind a beautiful wall set up in front of the Newnan sidelines. It was the Cougars' first kick return for a TD this year.
Alex Ogletree, not to be outdone by his brother, picked off an Atomsmasher pass on Johnson's next series and scored from the 23 to give Newnan a 35-0 lead with 35 seconds left in the opening quarter.
Newnan added three more touchdowns in the second quarter.
Hill scored his second touchdown of the night and third of the season on a five-yard run early in the period to cap a 50-yard, four-play drive.
Alec Ogletree blocked a Johnson punt and picked up the loose ball and ran it in from 25 yards out with 5:18 to go to make it 49-0 and Carson Carroll scored on a five-yard plunge just before halftime to put the finishing touches on a 65-yard, eight-play march.
Those 55 first half points tied the Cougar record set earlier this year against Lovejoy and the 11th straight victory made this year's team only the second Newnan squad ever to win that many in succession.
The 1992 Cougars reeled off 11 straight wins before losing in the second round of the playoffs.
The Newnan defense extended its consecutive scoreless quarter streak to 23 and has not allowed a point since the first quarter of the Riverdale game on Oct. 10.
Russell Powell's 23-game TD streak, however, was ended.
For the first time since he stepped into the starting quarterback role in 2007, he did not either run for a touchdown and/or throw for a TD in a game.
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The band students pay band camp fees, uniform fees, and instrument fess. They do not pay a flat $500.00 that can be used for music. Scare Crow ...get your facts straight.
Posted by Band Supporter at 12:19 PM
Please Newnan Times Herald poll the NHS fans and they will tell you how they fell about the band. The Band Supporter will be surprise. But as long as Mr. Moore is the principal the band theme will not change so get use to it or do like most and talk about the first half behind the bleachers at halftime. To the Tift Fan we know The Mighty Blue Devils are coming to town on friday and you guys played in the best region in the world. So thats why I expect to see Tift run up the score on NHS. Their is no way we can compete with Mighty Tift after the destroyed MLK on saturday. My early prediction is Tift 42 Newnan 3.
Posted by Swagg08 at 8:36 PM
Your opinions are incorrect. You don't have a clue about band fees and costs. I wish it only cost $500.00 a year. Go back to OZ.
Posted by Band Mom at 6:29 PM
I am so proud of our boys at Newnan. You work very hard!! As for the Seniors this is a once in a life time deal. Enjoy it and have fun and bring it home. Go Big Blue!! You all deserve the praise you are getting!!
Posted by cougar fan at 5:33 PM
I bet if you took a poll of people who attend football games, student population and even the band members; they will admit that the show is a bit bland. I am not saying that the band does not work hard, they dont pratice hard, or even not play hard. All I am saying like I did in an earlier comment is that it is embarrassing for the other teams band to be getting the crowd pumped up and the players on the side line dancing. It is just a plain fact, everyone can see it at the games. Lovejoy's band did nothing classless and was actually quite entertaining. Why would I bring my I-Pod when I can listen to the other team's band. I think the comment about $1600 dollars for music is off the wall. Next to the Touchdown club, the band booster is the next biggest one, so dont cry about $1600 dollars for music. Also, if I amnot mistaken, is it not like $500 to be in the band. Lets do the math $500 X 80 = $40,000. Not to mention the fundraising they do. I am sure $1600 is not that big of a deal.
Posted by Scare Crow at 3:28 PM
Joey, first of all, you should know that, when you're playing a rival, emotions are running high and the teams really get up to play each other. In this case, EC got up to play Newnan. Not to mention the extremely wet field had a drastic effect on the outcome of the game as well. As far as the "dose of your own medicine" comment. If you are implying that Newnan needs 50+ points put up on them because they have done it to other teams, that's ridiculous. I think as far as the scoring goes, Newnan is a very classy team. The starters don't even play the whole game. What do you want Newnan to do? Not play the starters at all so that the other team may have a chance? Come on now, it doesn't work like that. Newnan is about as classy as it gets when it comes to scoring as opposed to the likes of teams like Camden who run the score up on teams just because they can.
Posted by Cougar Fan at 2:26 PM
I think it's odd that Newnan can score 50+ points every game except their rival school. Something's wrong with this picture. I hope the Blue Devils give you a dose of your own medicine, Newnan. This way you Cougars will know what it's like to walk off the field with your heads held down in shame.
Posted by Joey at 2:13 PM
The Marching Cats are great! Anyone to have the nerve to say they are boring doesn't have a clue about what's put into a marching band. These kids start in mid July at band camp 10 hours a day sweating their heads off for a week. Then they practice everyday Monday- Friday 3 hours a day Aug-Nov. That one show took a lot of work and dedication from our students & band directors. We have won awards with that show "Locomotion". If you don't like it then bring your I-Pod.
Posted by Band Supporter at 1:20 PM
Fire it up TC, Fire it up- Hey !!
Posted by TC at 11:52 AM
I will put our Tift County Blue Devil defense against any defense around. Our junior quarterback showed great poise and control against MLK last Saturday. Our guys are ready and they are hungry! Nobody expected us to get this far and we are on a roll. Look for a huge turnout to support our Devils!! I am sure it will be a great game! GO BLUE!!!
Posted by Lisa Thompson at 11:44 AM
The band is great! If you had any idea how much work it takes to put together a show you wouldn't make such a stupid comment. Thank God for a band director like ours with class that does not allow our daughters to booty dance on the field.
Posted by Band Supporter at 11:41 AM
It costs about $1600.00 to purchase the music the band plays. It is not practical to change mid season. The school system does not pay for this! These kids work very hard and it's hard to believe that any adult would be this rude. I guess that's why we have so many rude students...they learn it at home.
Posted by Newnan Band Alumni at 11:34 AM
I thank God for all that is going for the cougars. If we continue to play our A plus game this will be our year. we have to stay focused no matter what. Offense has to be on their A plus game and Defense has to be on their A plus game.
Posted by RYANT RUSSE;; at 8:01 AM
I didn't check my comment before submitting. I meant to say if NHS wins big then haters are saying we are playing nobody and we are accused of running up the score. If we play a somewhat close game then we are overated. I also agree about your Camden comment
Posted by Swagg 08 at 9:27 PM
Actually bro, nobody around here runs the score up. Now those boys down in Kingsland GA. They will. They beat Johnson 78-6 I think. How can you do this without trying?
Posted by DJ at 7:47 PM
If the team wins big we are playing nobody and we are running up the score. If we play a somewhat close game we are overated and overhyped. Lets start supporting our youth instead of bashing them. I am happy that the Cougars Indians Vikings and Hawks all made the playoffs this year. Also I agree with the band comment with playing some up to date music I watch everyweek as our team and fans dance to the other team performance. Have you ever wonder why over half the crowd go behind the bleachers at half time. Trust me it is not to use the restrooms.
Posted by Swagg08 at 4:48 PM
Great to see the notes of support coming from Cowetans (especially rival EC). I'm looking at the brackets (AAAAA)and it doesn't appear there is another team in all of South Metro that made in through last night(apologies if I'm wrong, not familiar with all the schools). Hopefully, this entire region will rally behind them. Fantastic job Cougars! Keep it up, and bring it HOME! Love, Mom
Posted by Mom at 6:46 PM
I just want Newnan to keep up the great work. Those schools in South Georgia support one another in the playoffs. We all know that Newnan has the State's top ranked defense, in all classifications. Also, one of the top 5 offenses in the state. I will be rooting for you all the way. This is coming from a strong Purple & Gold Man.
Posted by DJ at 4:35 PM
Lets get some facts straight. 1. Yes, Newnan's band is good. If you want to impress judges at a competition. Lets face it, I think it is a complete slap in the face to our band director, student population, and band itself for our fans and football players to be dancing when the other teams band is playin. I find myself this year leaving at half time to find something else to do other than watch the band. It is boring. I am not asking for "booty" music to be played by the band, but a bit more up beat would be nice. The "Queen" rendition was awesome 3 years ago. Is it not one of their jobs to keep the moral and cheering up in the stands 2. What is coach McDonald supposed to say after you beat the crap out of a JV team. There was nothing wrong in what he said and to be quite frankly, how do we know he snickered? Did you give the interview? I am snickering right now at your comment, but can you see that. NO! 3. If Newnans' offense does not pick it up soon in the next round, we might as well be saying that the entire 2008 season was a waste, our team was "overrated" and when is our tee time next week with Northgate, EC, and Heritage.
Posted by Scare Crow at 3:22 PM
Both the team and the band are good. I do believe that the band deserves to play more than the same ol same ol. Its about time that the train got derailed.
Posted by Old Coweta at 2:09 PM
"Show some sportsmanship and think about how the other team feels this morning."- in case you didn't notice, the other team didn't care one bit. They were dancing in halftime warmups. You would be the same person to complain if Newnan kept all starters in and scored 200 points. Something that could have easily been done.
Posted by I was there last night. at 1:39 PM
It sounds like the Newnan coachs did everything possible to let the WHOLE team play which is rare in the playoffs. Hey the coachs could have just let the older players play and totally crushed the other team. I really hope the cougars go all the way and take the STATE.
Posted by c at 12:25 PM
Take in to consderation who wrote the article (form the EC Herald). You surely are a disgruteled EC Fan. Facts are Facts. Have a great year watching Newnan and Chapel Hill progress another week.
Posted by Football Watcher at 11:53 AM
I just want to say along with the football team what a awesome job the BAND did. There program this year is just awesome
Posted by newnanite at 11:02 AM
That was a classy statement. When you spend all the long hours getting these young men ready to play , they all deserve to play. You either are a sore loser or a complete idiot. You decide.
Posted by SANITY RULES at 9:41 AM
You are correct Carla, E.C. did have a great season this year and I am sure they are looking forward to a better season next year. The same is true for Northgate and the other footballers representing this county; a good job to all of you!!! As for Newnan, the only thing that can be said is what a season and a classy, well disciplined program. Kudos to all involved and may we all see you bring the big trophy to Newnan/Coweta County this year. I think that some time we as a community tend to forget that Newnan represents all of Coweta County and not just the city of Newnan. Many of the students and athletes live outside of the city limits. It is time for all of us to give the Cougars the full support of Coweta as a whole. Once again, "a Great Job" to the Cougar program.
Posted by Another E.C. fan at 9:37 AM
"This was more nerve-wracking than a close win, trying to get everybody into the game," laughed defensive coordinator Mike McDonald. Really classy. That comment was unnecessary. Show some sportsmanship and think about how the other team feels this morning.
Posted by Football Fan at 7:09 AM
CONGRATS ECHS FOR MAKING IT THIS FAR. JUST WANT TO LET NEWNAN KNOW I AM CHEERING YOU YOUNG MEN ON. TAKE IT ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP. YOU'VE WORKED HARD THIS YEAR AND YOU DESERVE NOTHING LESS THAN THE BEST
Posted by Carla Fife- DIEHARD INDIAN at 4:44 AM
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what isa bluedevil?
11/18/2008
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Go cougars ! you've had a great season. Keep on going ! The mindless thinking of these Blue Devils is quite entertaining. It just shows you how South Ga people try to think. Duh, my name is Joey...
Posted by Football Watcher at 8:10 PM