On October 3rd, on the eve of homecoming, Utica High School triumphed over Newark Catholic with a decisive 35-14 victory. Prior to the game, Nate Hite and Lia Priest were crowned Homecoming King and Queen.
According to reports from the game, the first quarter was marked by significant action. Aaron Hays scored the initial touchdown midway through the quarter. Daniel Bero successfully made every extra point during the night, starting with this first touchdown.
Newark Catholic responded with a touchdown via a pass to the right and an extra point, leveling the score at 7-7.
Kamden Hall managed to break through Newark Catholic’s defense for a long rushing touchdown near the end of the first quarter. This was followed by Elijah Bland securing another touchdown, concluding the first quarter with Utica leading 21-7.
In subsequent plays, while no additional scoring occurred in the remainder of the half, junior Gavin Dugan intercepted a pass with just twenty-five seconds left in the second quarter, effectively halting Newark Catholic's drive.
Hall continued his impressive performance with another long run for a touchdown after stopping Newark Catholic on their fourth down attempt, bringing Utica's lead to 28-7.
Utica's final score came from Bland rushing from six yards out with 8:47 remaining in the game, extending their lead to 35-7.
Newark Catholic concluded their scoring efforts with a passing touchdown and an extra point, finalizing the score at 35-14.
