NEWCASTLE RACERS
Coach – JEFF BRICKMAN
OFFENSE
After making the playoffs and winning a game in the postseason last year, Newcastle head coach Jeff Brickman knows he has this program on the right track. Now entering his fifth year, Brickman believes he has a solid group of players that can continue to build up the Newcastle program. Offensively, Brickman’s teams have had a lot of success and that is expected to continue this year. Led by quarterback Jackson Bergt (6-2, 205, So.), the Racers will show multiple formations in an effort to be as balanced as possible. Bergt has some big cleats to fill. He replaces last year’s district 4A-1 player of the year, Andrew Shumard. But, Brickman is confident he can do just that. “Jackson is a big, strong and athletic,” he said. “He is one of the best young QB’s I have coached.” Bergt will have plenty of help offensively. He will be protected by two big tackles in Arnold Portillo (6-1, 280, Sr.) and Jace Garrett (6-3, 280, Sr.). Bergt wil also get Teagun Jordan (6-1, 175, Sr.) back. Jordan missed last year due to an injury but as a sophomore Jordan led the state in kickoff returns and took two back for touchdowns.
DEFENSE
Newcastle’s defensive philosophy is all about pressure. After being one of the best defenses in 4A last year, Newcastle returns five starters. The Racers are led on defense by VYPE Top 100 player Justus Conway (6-2, 225, Sr.). Last year Conway led 4A in sacks and tackles for loss. He was credited with 87 tackles, 18 sacks, 33 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles. Brickman said Conway is being heavily recruited and it’s expected that recruitment will ramp up with another great season. Joining Conway as one of the defensive leaders is defensive back Quentin Schane (6-0, 160, Sr.). Schane is a three-year starter on defense and has played both defensive back and outside linebacker. Other defensive backs expected to make an impact for Newcastle are Logan Wade (5-11, 180, Jr.), Michael jarko (6-0, 175, Jr.), and Kayden Phillips (5-8, 155, Jr.). Brickman’s goal for this team is to play complementary football with all three phases (offense, defense, and special teams) building off each other. Other Newcastle coaches include Glenn Stallings, DJ Ward, Josh Heskew, Tommy Washington, Bryce Nelson, Judd Wilson, Ricky Bradford, Ryan Corbin, Quentin Blue, Jason Haggerty, and Zac Hale.
8-27 – vs. Cleveland
9-3 – BYE
9-10 – at Tuttle
9-17 – vs. Blanchard
9-24 – vs. Clinton
10-1 – at Cache
10-7 – vs. Weatherford
10-14 – at Bethany
10-22 – at Elgin
10-29 – vs. Chickasha
11-5 – at Elk City
