Newport bolted out to an early lead on the visiting Walton-Verona when Brian Burton returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. After a two-point conversion, the Wildcats led 8-0.
The Bearcats answered with an interception returned to the Newport 4-yard line and put up a touchdown on the ensuing drive. Newport would put up another touchdown before the first quarter ended, leading 14-6.
Midway through the second quarter, Walton-Verona added another rushing touchdown and a two-point conversion to tie the game at 14. That would be the score at halftime after the Bearcats missed a last second field goal attempt.
With 7:13 left in the third quarter, Walton took its first lead on a touchdown drive aided by a Newport penalty when the Bearcats were facing third and long. Walton was given a first down and then scored.
That lead was short-lived as Newport, facing fourth and four, went for it and scored a 30-yard-plus rushing touchdown by Paul Price. Adding another two-point conversion, Newport led 22-20 with five minutes left in the third.
Saturday, Dec 3 