The Newsome High School football team has never seen postseason play, but the Wolves are inching closer and closer to their first state playoff berth this year.
On Friday, October 24, Newsome defeated the visiting Plant City Raiders 27-14, earning the Wolves their fourth consecutive victory under third-year Head Coach Kenneth Hiscock. Newsome dominated the first half of play, recording a touchdown and field goal to secure a 10-0 lead at the break. The Wolves continued their strong play in the third quarter, scoring on their first two drives to extend the lead. The Raiders fired back with two scores of their own but were unable to overcome the deficit by the final horn. The Wolves are 6-2 on the season and 2-0 in the district, and can secure a spot in the playoffs with a win over East Bay this Friday.
As a result of Newsome's stellar play, Hiscock was named the Buccaneers High School Coach of the Week for Week Eight of the 2008 season. Hiscock, along with Newsome High School Athletic Director Paul Lindstrom and assistant coaches Kevin Sharp and Tony West, were invited to One Buccaneer Place Thursday morning for a tour of the team's practice facility and an opportunity to watch the Buccaneers' morning walkthrough session. Following the team's practice, Tampa Bay Head Coach Jon Gruden greeted the group and congratulated the Wolves on their impressive performance this season, encouraging them to work hard towards a victory this Friday.
"It's awesome that [the Buccaneers] take time out of their day and do this for the coaches," said Hiscock. "It's a great opportunity for me and some of the staff to come out here and see the facility. It was a great visit."
Along with a signed certificate and personalized football presented by Coach Gruden, Hiscock received $1,000 towards the Wolves' football program.
"It's awesome," Hiscock reiterated with a smile. "The gifts that we received were great."
The Buccaneers will honor 10 high school coaches from West Central and Central Florida during this year's prep football season. A Coach of the Year, who receives an additional $1,000 for his football program, will be selected from the ten weekly winners at the end of the season. The Buccaneers and National Football League's Coach of the Week program aids in the development of youth football, which has a positive influence on young athletes and the communities in which they live.
