East Coweta defeated Newton 20-14 Friday night, handing the Rams the first loss of the season. Newton was riding high after its overtime win last week and being named Fox 5 team of the week, but the team struggled to run and failed to stop the run.

A late touchdown drive brought the Rams within six points, but a failed onside kick and lack of run defense doomed them. Star running back Akeem Hunt fumbled twice, including a costly cough up on one of his few punt return attempts that turned field advantage over to East Coweta, who scored a drive later.

The Rams fall to 4-1 and will face another tough challenge next week when they travel to DeKalb County to play Stephenson High School.