The Newberry JV and varsity football teams gave a large homecoming crowd plenty to cheer about on Saturday afternoon, with both teams picking up strong wins over the St. Ignace Saints. The JV took a dominant win, finishing off the JV Saints 20-2. In the varsity game, the Indians overwhelmed the Saints, 42-28, the tribe’s third consecutive win against St. Ignace at the varsity level.
The varsity Indians improved to 3-1 overall behind a highlight reel performance in the backfield. Senior running back Matthew Luebkert, who was crowned homecoming king at halftime, and senior quarterback Garrett Lewicki teamed up to run all over the Saints. The pair combined for nearly 300 yards on the ground, leading the Indians to a big bounce back victory following their first loss of the season last week. Newberry also hit several big plays in the passing game, excelled on special teams, and featured a strong and physical defense that wore down the Saints.
The Indians received the ball at opening kickoff and began to drive when a pass from Lewicki was intercepted. The defense responded with an interception of their own: Gaijye Depew picked off Cadin Lester in the end zone to steal a potential Saints touchdown.
The Indians flipped the game in their favor on the final play of the first half. Tied at 8-8, Newberry took a shot and scored with no time left in the half, heading to the halftime ceremony up 16-8.
The Indians defense came up big again to start the third quarter, and when Luebkert broke free on a run, the Indians had a two-score lead. They never trailed in the victory, and scored on all but one second-half possession.
With the win secured, the Indians have surpassed their entire season win total from a year ago, when they went 2-7. The run of rivalry games will continue this week. Newberry will meet up with Engadine in the battle for the Little Brown Jug at 7 p.m. on Friday.
In two weeks, Newberry will meet Munising in the 2025 Battle for the Axe. At 3-1, the Indians sit near the top of the Great Lakes 8 East Conference standings, along with two undefeated powerhouses, Pickford and Norway, who are both 4-0 to date.
In the JV game, QB Grant Lewicki found Symon Whalen on a pair of touchdown tosses, to help lead the younger Indians to their second win of the season. Logann McIntyre added a touchdown on the ground in the JV win. Newberry’s defense continued a strong of perfect second half performances, giving no points and holding the Saints without a first down for most of the second half. St. Ignace’s only points came early in the game when Newberry snapped the ball out of their own end zone and gave up a safety.
The JV Indians will travel to Rudyard on Thursday.
