The Newberry High School Panthers earned their first victory of the season Friday night, edging Cocoa 14‑13 in a tightly contested, penalty‑filled battle that left both sidelines exhausted.
A Rocky Opening
From the opening kickoff, the game was marked by sloppy play, with multiple penalties and fumbles that kept the momentum shifting. Cocoa struck first when Anthony Waley broke free for a 54‑yard rushing touchdown, putting the visitors ahead 7‑0 in the first quarter.
Newberry answered quickly as defensive back Javeon Long intercepted a pass and returned it 25 yards, setting up the Panthers’ first points. A subsequent 23‑yard field goal by Kaiden Bush trimmed the deficit to 7‑3 before halftime.
Cocoa extended its lead when Arziel Francis returned a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown, making it 13‑3. The extra‑point attempt was blocked by the Newberry defense, preserving the three‑point margin.
Defensive Adjustments
Midway through the second half, linebacker Deondrae Alford forced a fourth‑and‑4 turnover, and a later fumble in the fourth quarter gave Newberry possession deep in Cocoa territory, sparking a comeback attempt.
Fourth Quarter Drama
A late‑hit penalty gave Newberry a 15‑yard boost, and Zaden Wilcox capitalized with a 12‑yard scramble touchdown, cutting the score to 13‑12 with just over a minute remaining.
The decisive moment arrived when Keyondre Williams completed a pass to Lamareion Davis, who sprinted into the end zone for the go‑ahead score, sealing a 14‑13 victory for the Panthers.
Coach Ed Johnson praised the team’s effort, calling the win ‘worth celebrating’ and highlighting the resilience shown despite the chaotic conditions.
Newberry will look to build on this momentum when they travel to face Daytona Beach Halifax Academy on Friday at 7:30 p.m.