Photo Credit: @shotby.jaayyymitchh
Ellenwood, Georgia – The main event of the 15th Annual Inner City Classic at Steele Road Stadium delivered everything football fans could ask for: big plays, momentum swings, defensive stops, late-game drama and a finish that came down to the final possession. When the final whistle sounded, the Newton Rams had survived a thrilling battle with the Douglas County Tigers, earning a 34-27 double-overtime victory in a game that showcased the determination and resilience of both teams.
From the opening kickoff, it was clear that neither team was willing to back down. Newton struck first when quarterback Joe Frazier connected with Omarion Wallace on a 27-yard touchdown pass. Following the extra point, the Rams took an early 7-0 advantage.
Douglas County quickly answered with a big defensive play. Kamar Reed intercepted the Newton quarterback and returned the pick 35 yards for a touchdown. The Tigers missed the extra point, leaving Newton with a narrow 7-6 lead midway through the first quarter. On the Tigers’ next defensive possession, Douglas County blocked a Newton punt, putting the ball deep in Rams territory near the goal line. Quarterback Trey Byrd finished the drive himself, powering into the end zone on a quarterback sneak. The Tigers failed to convert the two-point attempt, but they had taken a 12-7 lead with about a minute remaining in the first quarter.
With seven minutes remaining in the first half, Rams running back Kevin Hartsfield broke loose for a 40-yard touchdown run, giving Newton the lead once again. After the extra point, the Rams held a 14-12 advantage.
Coming out of halftime, Douglas County’s defense immediately created another huge opportunity, intercepting the Rams quarterback in the end zone. The Tigers capitalized on the turnover, turning it into a touchdown reception by Jeremiah Mathis. Douglas County then converted the two-point attempt, taking a 20-14 lead. Newton put together a late fourth-quarter drive, moving the ball down the field with its season hanging in the balance. The Rams eventually found the end zone when Braylon Miller scored on a rushing touchdown with just 20 seconds remaining. Newton had a chance to take the lead with the extra point, but the kick was missed, sending the game to overtime tied at 20-20.
Douglas County scored first, with Cam Anderson connecting with Brandon Shannon Jr. for a touchdown. The Tigers took a 27-20 lead and put the pressure squarely on Newton. But the Rams once again refused to fold. Miller came through with another rushing touchdown, bringing Newton even with Douglas County at 27-27 and forcing the game into a second overtime period. That’s when the Rams delivered the play that will be remembered. Newton quarterback Joe Frazier dropped back and found Devin Barber, who came up with a stellar touchdown catch to put the Rams ahead 34-27. The touchdown ended the marathon contest and gave Newton a dramatic double-overtime victory over the Tigers.
After the game, Newton head coach Josh Skelton praised Douglas County and the effort his team had to overcome throughout the night.
Skelton also summed up the character of his team with a simple statement: “We are hard to kill.”
He added, “We have big goals, and being 1-0 is a great feeling early.”
It is difficult to argue with Skelton’s assessment.
The Rams showed tremendous resilience throughout the game. They overcame turnovers, momentum swings, missed opportunities and a late deficit to keep fighting until the very end. When they needed a play, someone stepped up. That toughness may become one of the defining characteristics of this Newton team. There is already plenty of talk surrounding the Rams program about making a run at a state championship. The players and coaches clearly believe they have the talent and determination to make that goal a reality.
