A Night of Drama at Newark Catholic
The Green Wave opened the 2026 season with a heart‑stopping overtime win over Huntington, sealing a 28‑27 victory that will be remembered for its relentless back‑and‑forth action.
Hal Gillespie proved indispensable, converting all four of his extra‑point attempts, including the decisive fourth that pushed the lead to 28‑27. His calm under pressure gave the Wave the edge when every point mattered.
Quarterback Malone Hutchison orchestrated the offense, throwing for four touchdowns. Two of those connections found Landon Cox, who also broke loose for a 49‑yard score in the first quarter, setting an early tone for the team.
Defensive Masterclass and Turning Points
The Wave's defense limited Huntington to just 99 yards in the first half, a stark contrast to the opposing team's usual explosiveness. A pivotal moment came when Cannon Kinzer recovered a fumble, shifting momentum back in Newark Catholic's favor.
Huntington answered with a 60‑yard touchdown by Gordon Cyrus and a 3‑yard rush by Frankie Hirsch, but the Wave kept the pressure alive. Troy McDonald's 77‑yard reverse play tied the game at 21‑21 in the fourth quarter, forcing the contest into overtime.
In the extra period, Hutchison found Cox again for a 20‑yard touchdown, setting up Gillespie's game‑winning extra point. The successful kick not only secured the victory but also marked coach Tom Phillips' first win as head coach, adding a narrative of renewal to the night.
The game was punctuated by a blocked field goal, several big‑play reverses, and a relentless pursuit of excellence from both sides. With the win, the Green Wave hopes to build momentum as the season progresses, riding the energy of a community that turned out in force.