The Newton Rams suffered their second consecutive road loss Friday night at Langston Hughes, falling to the Panthers 44-7 at Langston Hughes Stadium.
The loss drops the Rams to 1-3 on the season heading into region play next week against county-rival Alcovy.
Since defeating Lowndes Sept. 6, Newton has surrendered 85 points to the Panthers and Valdosta, while finding the endzone just three times in their two losses.
"Langston Hughes played sound football tonight," Newton coach Terrance Banks said. "We had two key injuries and three starters who were unable to dress. When that happens, it forces us to play kids who don’t have game experience. Those guys (who were out) had to sit and watch the game. Hughes took advantage of that and we didn't play consistent enough to win."
Langston Hughes running back Keion Davis found the endzone five times in the win for the Panthers, helping Hughes to a14-0 first half lead.
Newton's Romario Johnson threw for a first-half touchdown for the Rams only score of the game, cutting the Panthers' lead to 14-7 at halftime with a scoring toss to senior wide receiver Taylor Hawkins.
Hughes scored 30 unanswered points in the third quarter, including two more touchdowns on the ground from Davis, who also caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Kinan Humphrey. The Panthers' defense also got into the action, scoring a defensive touchdown and a safety during the period for the 44-7 final.
"We have to get more consistent on offense and work through some of the problems we have right now," Banks said. "Hughes gave us a very good game and we hung in there in the first half. The mental and physical errors in the second half led to a big quarter for them, but it's something we can continue to work toward."
Newton returns to action next week against Alcovy Friday at Sharp Stadium.
The Rams have a chance to even the county series between the three programs with a victory over the Tigers.
Last season, Newton defeated Alcovy 14-7, giving the Rams their first region victory of 2012.
Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.
