And just like that 2014 is almost over. It’s been a big year in sports, especially in this electrifying second half of the year. We’ve done a year in review of spring sports in the summer, so now it’s time we look at some of the best and biggest moments in Newton County sports for the second half of 2014. There were lots of games, signings...etc that could have been included but we only have so much room. Enjoy.

Newton upsets Valdosta

There is probably no story bigger in Newton County than the Rams going down to Valdosta and beating them 27-14 giving Newton its first state playoff victory ever and first playoff win in over 20 years. Ironically enough, Valdosta is the school with the most playoff victories while Newton previously had none in the state playoffs era. Newton went on to win another game at home against Central Gwinnett before losing in the final five minutes to Etowah in the third round.

Newton beats Rockdale

If one rivalry exists that’s bigger than any other rival within the city of Covington, it’s the rivalry between to bordering county schools – Newton and Rockdale. Last year Rockdale won the matchup and took home the trophy, but this year Newton pulled off a shocking win despite the Bulldogs leading in the fourth with the ball at Newton’s five-yard line. A Rams’ interception and sequential game-winning touchdown with seconds left on the clock sealed the deal.

Lady Rams beat Tucker

Tucker, new to the region this year, won a state championship last year. With Newton coming off a region championship last year, much was made of the matchup between the two schools. It lived up to the hype as the Lady Rams ended the fourth quarter on an 8-2 run to tie the game and force OT. The Lady Rams went on to outscore Tucker 4-2 in the extra period to win 61-59 and take first place in the region.

EHS survives against Thomson

Eastside mounted one of the better comebacks you’ll ever witness in high school football as the Eagles came back from a 21-point deficit against Thomson at halftime to tie the game. A fourth quarter scramble on fourth-and-10 with less than 30 seconds left in the game saw Eagle QB Austin Holloway connect with Quintrell Mathis on a deep 50-yarder to tie the game and force overtime. Eastside went on to win in double OT after Thomson missed an extra point and advanced to the second round.

Lee’s number retired

Catherine Lee became the first Eastside softball player to have her jersey retired this year on September 2. Lee averaged 1.15 RBI when she played at Eastside, properly placing her at fourth in the nation at the time. Lee went on to have a successful collegiate career at the University of Missouri.

Tyra comes up clutch

In its first round playoff series, Alcovy faced Lee County in two back-to-back thrillers that saw the Lady Tigers win both games with seventh inning game-winners, each by Tyra Hollingsworth to lift Alcovy to the second round of the playoffs.

Alcovy wins region championship

In a county rival matchup to determine the softball region champion, Alcovy completely obliterated Newton 16-1 to win the championship in less than four innings.

Social Circle wins region

In a tough region championship game, Social Circle was able to hold off a fiesty a Union County team and escape with a 7-5 win for the championship.

Social Circle athletic Complex opens

Social Circle High School opened its new athletic complex in August after over a decade of raising money for the complex via a special tax.