The Ironheads (1-4, 0-2 District 3A-3) fell short in a hard-fought 5941 loss to the Locust Grove Pirates. The Ironheads took the lead in the game 27-24 with just under two minutes in the first half.

However, the Pirates took advantage of the Ironheads and rambled downfield to go into the halftime break up 32-27.

A bright spot for the Ironheads was their ability to run the football. Eufaula rushed 49 times for 441 yards. Running back Peter Lee joined Demetrious Crowder to run for over 300 yards in a game. Crowder ran for 376 yards in the first half against the Checotah Wildcats. Lee finished with 352 yards on 35 carries for four touchdowns.

The Ironhead’s passing offense worked hard as Ledger Folsom went 2/8 for 36 yards and an interception. Eufaula offensive coordinator Josh Luna quickly switched up his game plan and went with a rushing attack in which Folsom added 13 carries for 89 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

The Ironhead secondary was without senior Richie Beaver, who sustained a shoulder injury last week. The defensive line continues to be the strength of the defense for Newton. Carson Luna, Day Day Shine, Simeon Hill, Braeden Blevins consistently put pressure on the Locust Grove backfield and kept the running game of Locust Grove under 200 yards.

Linebackers Brian Lynn, Folsom, Aaron Spoehr and Luke Hodgins had solid games. Lynn made a huge play when he intercepted a pass to stop a Locust Grove drive.

The difference in the game was the passing attack of the Pirates who finished with 16/32 for two touchdowns and an interception for 362 yards and finished the game with 559 total offensive yards.

Another player that should be getting looks from colleges is Eufaula center Connor McAllister who has anchored the offensive line throughout the season.

For the first time since 2012 (Newton’s first year) the Ironheads are 1-4 after the first five games in a new district. The mighty Ironheads will have another solid opponent next as they host the Holland Hall Dutchmen on Pink Out night at Paul Bell stadium. Eufaula is close to turning the corner and fans can bet on seeing it happen Friday night.