Cardinal freshmen notch win

MARSHALLTOWN — A one-point lead at halftime exploded into an 18-7 victory Friday evening for Newton High’s freshman football team.

The Cardinals led host Marshalltown, 8-7, at the break. Newton’s defense scored two points in the third quarter on a safety. The Cardinals added a fourth-quarter touchdown and two-point conversion for the final margin.

Matthew Karsten returned a kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter after Marshalltown had taken a 7-0 lead. Garrett Sturtz had a one-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Carson Cazett and Tristin Langmaid each ran in a two-point conversion for the Cardinals.

“This was a big victory for these guys. It is the first time they have won back-to-back football games in their careers.  Plus, it is always nice to beat Marshalltown,” said Trent Powers, NHS assistant coach. “Matthew’s kickoff return was a huge lift for our team.  It gave us a lot of momentum for the remainder of the game.”

Cazett had 54 yards rushing and 50 yards receiving while Langmaid rushed for 51 yards and had 14 yards in receptions. Sturtz went 4-of-4 passing for 64 yards.

“Our defense was spectacular tonight after the long pass in the first quarter,” Powers said. “We held Marshalltown to 125 yards of total offense, of which 82 yards came in the first quarter.”

Karsten led the defense with five tackles. Alex Morris had four tackles and two interceptions. Cazett had a quarterback sack.

Newton’s freshmen improved to 2-0. They play at Grinnell Friday.

Contact Sports Editor Jocelyn Sheets at (641) 792-3121 Ext. 6535 or jsheets@newtondailynews.com.