Battle for district title begins Friday in Corrigan
By JIMMY GALVAN Managing Editor
Newton will open up District 21-2A play this week when Eagles travel to take on the Corrigan-Camden Bulldogs.

Newsboy photo/Georgia Purdy A KEY COMPONENT to Newton's offensive attack is running back Justin McLemore, who has started to hit his stride during the past couple of weeks.

This will be an early season matchup of the two favorites to win the district crown.

"They will be 5-0 when we play them and they have been beating the fire out of everybody," said Newton Head Football Coach Curtis B a r b a y . "They haven't played the caliber of teams that we have played."

Barbay believes Corrigan- Camden and Newton are the top two squads in the district so this early matchup could determine the district champion.

"We have to eliminate our penalties in order to be successful against Corrigan," Barbay said. "We can't make mistakes against them and turn the ball over because it will kill you."

Corrigan-Camden comes into this year's matchup with Newton again unbeaten behind new quarter Chris Drayton, who

replaces his brother at the position.

"They lost a pretty key guy (Trevor Drayton) this year in their quarterback and he can't be replaced," Barbay said. "They have some good offensive and defensive players."

Corrigan will return the district MVP at linebacker in Broderick Mays.

Barbay believes Corrigan- Camden will run the ball more than any team the Eagles have faced this year.

"Last year, Corrigan did a real good job of keeping us off balance by running and throwing the ball," Barbay said. "Corrigan throws the ball a lot better than Carthage so we will have to do a better job of defending the pass."