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Published Saturday, November 21, 2009 in Local
Photo by nobyline-nth
Newnan head football coach Mike McDonald gives his team a hand after the Cougars advanced to next Friday’s Class AAAAA state quarterfinals with a 15-6 win over M.L. King at Drake Stadium.
Cougars roar back in second half to return to quarterfinals
By Tommy Camp
The Times-Herald
It's not like the Newnan Cougars have suddenly turned into second half wonders, but for the third straight Friday night they rallied in the last 24 minutes to win again, beating M.L. King, 15-6, in Drake Stadium in the second round of the state Class AAAAA playoffs.
Trailing 6-0 at halftime the Cougars, sparked by Alec Ogletree's return to the Lions' 22 with the second half kickoff, Newnan went on to score twice and tack on a safety to notch its 12th straight win of the year without a loss.
After a frustrating first half during which Newnan managed just 54 yards of total offense against Class AAAAA's leading scoring defense, the Cougars came back just as they did against East Coweta two weeks ago (trailing 19-14 going to the fourth quarter) and against Valdosta last week (down 9-7 at halftime).
The Cougars' defense kept them in the game in the first half, shutting off deep MLK penetrations to the Newnan 12 and the two, both in the second quarter, and forcing field goals on both occasions.
It could very easily have been 14-0 at halftime.
"We've had two emotional wins in a row coming into tonight so we might have come out a little flat at the beginning of the game," said head coach Mike McDonald. "But a lot of it was them (MLK). Those guys were really good, so you have to give them credit for what they did."
After Ogletree's return put Newnan in great field position to begin the second half, Chris Robinson scored from the two moments later and, following Patrick McAlpin's PAT Newnan led, never to trail again.
Robinson added a second TD early in the fourth quarter after Newnan recovered a fumble deep in Lions' territory and a high snap on a punt that eventually bounded out of the end zone gave the Cougars their final points with half the final quarter still to go.
"Our defense played lights out tonight," McDonald said. "They kept us in the game in the first half and just went out and dominated in the second half."
The Lions never got closer than the Newnan 32 in the final two periods.
Newnan's 15 points were the second most MLK has given up this year to Stephenson's 20 in the Lions' only other loss.
"We knew how good they were on defense," McDonald said. "We knew it'd be tough, but we didn't help ourselves any in the first half with silly penalties and a turnover."
Newnan had two three-and-outs in the first quarter and managed only one first down in the second, but the Cougar defense was saving the day.
Taking over at the Newnan 37 following a Cougar punt from deep in their own territory, the Lions drove to the Newnan 12 before being pushed back to the 14 on third and three and Amber Irvin stuck in a 30-yarder to make it 3-0 with 11:09 to go in the first half.
M.L. King pounced on a Newnan fumble at the Cougar 40 three minutes later and quickly had a golden opportunity first and goal at the six, but came up short.
Newnan also stopped Valdosta at the two last week.
Irvin's second field goal of the night, this one from 20 yards out, upped the Lions' lead to 6-0 with 4:05 left before halftime.
That 6-0 MLK advantage marked the first time Newnan had failed to score in the first half all year.
But the offense began clicking in the third quarter.
Ogletree, one of Newnan's "up men" on kickoffs, grabbed Irvin's short, high boot at the 25 and rumbled to the MLK 22 before finally being stopped.
It was like a jolt of adrenaline to the Cougars.
Four plays later and after Lendell Arnold threw 15 yards on a fourth and six to Alec Ogletree to set up the score, Robinson skirted left end from the two to put Newnan on top with 9:58 left in the third period.
The Cougars made it 13-6 after recovering an MLK fumble at the Lions' 18 with just over 10 minutes to play in the final stanza.
Zander Ogletree dashed to the MLK four on second down and Robinson skirted left end for the TD, his 18th of the year.
After stopping the Lions following the kickoff, Irvin never had a chance to flag down the high snap that sailed over his head at the Lions' 15. He chased the ball in to the end zone, but failed to corral it as it skidded over the end line for two points for Newnan.
It was the Cougars' second safety of the year. They also recorded one against Riverdale.
Newnan had one last opportunity to add to the lead, driving to the MLK 10 with just over two minutes to play, but eventually turned the ball over on downs.
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Yea, keep talking the talk but you need to walk the walk too. Nothing less than a ring is disappointing at best. I hope newnan can finally bring home a chamionship. Good luck to all !
Posted by Marco Polo at 7:36 AM
Lou. Please get over yourself. You are really acting like a small child. If you can't handle criticism, then don't post anything. Simple as that. The fact is Lou, is that you claim we were out coached and that is just not true. First from 1st quarter on. Newnan's defense dominated. Everything MLK threw at them was stopped with the exception of a pass here and there. The offense was slow int he first but the coaches made adjustments and from the second quarter on they started moving the ball and by the third quarter MLK could do nothing to stop it. I do not see how you can claim that we were outcoached but if you want to keep whining because no one agrees with then then go ahead. But you were wrong then and still wrong now. Keep throwing childish jabs all you want but if it makes you feel good about yourself then go for it.
Posted by David at 2:35 PM
No problem with Newnan football. We love our team and coaches. Northgate is a good example of how not to do things. Newnan football rocks. Nobody cares about Northgate football.
Posted by Newnan Football at 1:54 PM
David u are one few fans that dont know what he is talking about!!!
Posted by lou at 1:22 PM
Actually everything is just fine. We just have a few people who have no idea what they are talking about. The fans do not decide the game although some of them think they can. Our true fans are 100% behind our team win or lose. I can guarantee you that there will be no head hunting for a new coach on this side of town. Coach McDonald is a great coach and more than that a great man. We could not have gotten a better successor for our program. I will agree with you that people need to let the whole Nortgate thing die. It is over with and done. You guys will get things back on track. I am confident of that.
Posted by David at 11:39 AM
David u can't hurt my feeling. Its just a game. I'm entitle voice my opinion.
Posted by lou at 11:11 AM
Coweta County leave NGHS out of your west Side Football bickering. Sounds like all is not well in Cuga land, as one would think. Good luck this week ! And remember, No One cares who finishes in 2nd, 3rd, etc, place.
Posted by Marco Polo at 10:22 AM
Guys, Everyone said you couldn't do it coming into this season but once again you have proved them wrong. I have never seen a team play with the heart and passion that you do. This Friday channel that passion and stay focused. I truly believe that if you play mistake free football you will win the game on Friday. Can't wait to get to Loganville to cheer you guys on. We are all so proud of our Coaches, players, cheerleaders, you name it. Newnan fans, it is time to show Grayson what loyalty is all about. Let's fill up our side of the stands and make this as much of a home game as possible. Good luck Cats.
Posted by David at 9:03 AM
Way to go Newnan Cougars! I am so proud of each of you. We are a team and we can see how bad you want this guys! You have our support behind you all the way. We love our coaches and our players! Newnan High School is the best! Cougar Born, Cougar Bred, We'll be Cougars to the day we are dead! Go get em guys! WE love you!
Posted by Cougar Supporter at 9:25 PM
Lou you can call me whatever you like because I really could care less about how you feel. You seem to be the only person who has an issue with being undefeated which is interesting to me. Newnan plays one bad game then you start to critize everyone. Sorry to hurt your little feelings Lou but please get a life before you start criticizing an undefeated program. Regardless of what happens this Friday, the coaching staff has done an amzing job with a team that everyone thought would be 7-3 at best. The players did play a little flat but once again the coaches were not playing. Hopefully, your feelings don't get hurt by this comment as well.
Posted by David at 8:56 PM
Since you watched so much film on MLK, surely you were aware that they had faked four punts in the last three games. Only a true football genius like yourself would block punts against a good fake team. Good thing our team isn't in your hands, idiot.
Posted by I Know You're an Idiot at 8:36 PM
@ bthrower if u ever coach u would know being prepared is up to your coach if you all read my statement stop thinking Im talking down on my cougars u would know what Im talking about!!
Posted by lou at 7:59 PM
Lou, you give new meaning to being a loser. Go watch Northgates splendid boys basketball. Now theres a well coached crew. Newnan football coaches know what they are doing. Adjusting is their strong suit. Thanks Newnan football and get um Friday. 12-0 Lou. 12-0.
Posted by Coweta County at 6:42 PM
I see what NHS coaching is doing, coach to your strong points...play tough D and make ajustments at the half (offensive wise)...If your D is that good it can carry you ask the Balt. Ravens. At any risk I do believe that a better offensive game plan will have to be put in place this week, becuase you can bet Grayson will be coached very well.
Posted by bthrower at 4:49 PM
I think you need to remember that you are a "fan" not a player and that this is just a High School program. These are "kids" and if you've ever coached kids you should know that no matter how prepared they are mistakes and bad plays are gonna happen. Anyways guess if placing blame and not being happy about 12-0 is your style.
Posted by bthrower at 4:45 PM
Play your game Friday. You have accomplished more than some expected. Your are a solid team.
Posted by GAIL at 1:21 PM
Thanks for your wisdom and valuable support. We love fans like you. Your knowledge and experience of the game is way to valuable for us. You should share with others that might care.
Posted by GAIL at 1:08 PM
Newnan Cougar Football Team:
Remember how it felt to lose to Camden County last year in the State Semi-finals...use that loss as your fuel to WIN a State Championship this year!
In the words of Muhammad Ali:
“Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win when the match is even.”
Posted by Cuga Fan at 12:56 PM
David u are the idoit!! What game were u watching Friday night. We clearly got out caoched. If players play and coaches coach like they did against MLK we will lose!!
will lose Friday.
Posted by lou at 11:36 AM
Hey Cougars, we are so proud of you. You can be as good as you want to be. You just have to want it. Practice hard, hold nothing back and believe in yourselves because your fans believe in you!
Posted by Big Cat Fan at 11:18 PM
Mark, the problem is that when something doesn't go perfectly someone always to blame the coaches and start a bunch of junk. I would hardly constitute two comments as bickering because I guarantee you that the majority of true Cougar fans are behind this team 100%. The great thing is that the players play the game and not the fans presenting their opinions. But you are correct fans seem to find something wrong regarless of the record. Win or Lose this Friday, this team is a special team and deserves all of the recognition. They have already proven that they can play with the best the state has to offer.
Posted by David at 10:02 PM
With all this bickering amongest the fans, sound like you are setting yourselves up for defeat this week. Hopefully not, but we've seen this too many times - we get our hearts ripped out and stomped flat.
Posted by Mark at 5:45 PM
After last year's amazing season, losing all of the O starters and many of the D, I sure did not expect to see this season unfold as it has! Shows how deep the talent is, players AND coaches. Go Get Grayson!
Posted by Mom at 5:24 PM
Defense,you went out there and did what you do best. Offense, you finally settled down and played your game. You both played as the team you are. Now lets put this game behind us and get to work on taking out Grayson.
Posted by Newnan Fan at 11:59 AM
You must be a Northgate guy. Whining about coaching in an undefeated season.
Posted by NgHS at 1:10 AM
Great game players, coaches. Great fan support. 12 - 0 what else can you say other than best of luck in your prep for next Friday game.
Posted by GAIL at 12:41 AM
Lou if you think we need better coaches then you are truly an idiot. Don't bring that crap into our program because we have no room for people like you. This team is 12-0 heading into round 3. The play was a little sloppy Friday but the coaches weren't out there playing. These kids know what they need to do and they will correct it. Win or lose this team should be commended for everyting they have done.
Posted by David at 9:49 PM
Why are we not sending our players to block punts. If you watch game film you would know that mlk punter takes forever to get the punt off but still we don't pressure the punter. Also we wasted 2 timeouts on special teams. I agree we need to stop the conservative play calling on offense in the first half.
Posted by cuga fan at 9:05 PM
Moving right along, Grayson #1 ranked team in the state...Prove the pollsters wrong...good luck...they are a sound team, it will take a true team effort to win...you guys can do it though!
Posted by bthrower at 6:27 PM
People, how can we point the finger at the coaches. They do not tackle, throw, or catch. Oh and by the way were 12-0. Coaches seem to be getting it right so far!
Posted by True Fan at 3:51 PM
The game will be played in Grayson.
Posted by Drago at 3:44 PM
To the person or persons who paid for the Newnan O-line players breakfast Friday morning at Chick-Fil-A, the boys wanted to say thank you so much for your kindness and support. It meant a lot to them!!
Posted by O-line mom at 10:27 AM
Way to stay in there and come back. You guys showed a lot of heart last night. You have to cut down on the penalties. Alot of good opportunities were stopped by penalties. Overall you played great. Defense what can we say. In my opinion you are the best D in the state, not MLK. Let's get focuses this week and get ready for a great Grayson team. I know you can do it. Let's get to the dome.
Posted by David at 9:39 AM
Good game Cougars but we got to have better coaching next week if we expect to win!!
Posted by lou at 9:16 AM
These boys never seem to amaze me. They never give up and just keep on pressing. I agree with what coach said about being slow in the first part of the game. I hope that doesnt come back to bite us.
Posted by Cuba at 9:12 AM
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Marco Polo
11/25/2009
Link To This Comment
Go destroy the next Northgate coach, with your TD club wonder players. Newnan is a football power, even if we do not win state. You are just a little cry baby that wants to play football. Go Cougars its your time. We love you.
Posted by Newnan Football at 4:57 PM