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(ARCHIVE PHOTO | THE GRAHAM LEADER) The Newcastle Bobcats take the field before the start of their area playoff game Friday, Nov. 22 against Westbrook, which the Bobcats lost 98-52. -
(ARCHIVE PHOTO | THE GRAHAM LEADER) The Bobcats’ London Martinez sprints with the ball past Westbrook defenders on his way to a touchdown Friday, Nov. 22 in Newcastle’s 98-52 loss to the Wildcats. Martinez was named District Offensive MVP and First Team All-District as a safety on defense.
After a quick glance at their record, some might not call the Newcastle Bobcats’ 2024 football season a success, but it absolutely was.
Though the team finished 7-5 overall and earned second place in district with a 3-1 record, the Bobcats overcame a lot of adversity and pulled off a big upset win in the first round of the playoffs.
Newcastle started the year with three straight wins but unfortunately ran into a gauntlet of teams in their next three and took straight losses in each. However, it should be noted that two of those three losses were to teams that went on to win state championships in their division (Wichita Christian in TAPPS Six-Man Division III and Jayton in UIL Class 1A Division II).
The team worked its way through a tough district schedule and earned a playoff match-up with the Spur Bulldogs, who came into that game undefeated through their regular season. The Bobcats played one of their best games of the year to knock off the Bulldogs by mercy rule to claim a bi-district championship 74-22.
While the season ended the following week in a loss to perennial power Westbrook, the Bobcats left everything they had on the field and are now being rewarded for it. Thanks to their efforts and standout performances in district play, many of the players brought home All-District awards.
To start things off, junior London Martinez was named District Offensive MVP for his work primarily at quarterback, but he seemed to do it all on that side of the ball. In addition to that award, Martinez was named First Team All-District as a safety on defense.
Junior Mikey Soito was a stalwart on both sides of the ball and was named District Defensive MVP while earning a spot on the First Team All-District at running back.
Sophomore Rylan Hinojosa earned recognition as First Team All-District at nose guard on defense and Second Team All-District at fullback on offense. Fellow sophomore Jacob Omundi received First Team All-District honors as offensive lineman and defensive lineman.
One of the lone seniors on this year’s roster, Lucas Owen was named First Team All-District at the center position. Junior Tristan Clemons received a spot on the First Team All-District on both sides of the ball, earning recognition as fullback on offense and defensive lineman on defense.
Sophomore Cooper Clayton earned Second Team All-District honors as a special teams player and defensive lineman. Junior Jayden Hemby was named Second Team All-District as an offensive lineman.
Sophomore Keyton Newland was one of the players to be named First Team All-District on both offense and defense as he was a first team quarterback and first team cornerback. And to round out the district awards, junior Leighton Gowens was named First Team All-District as a defensive utility player.
With most of the roster from this year’s team returning and having gained another season of valuable experience, the Newcastle Bobcats should expect another successful year next fall.
