The Newton Rams fell to 1-2 Friday night on the road at Valdosta, as the Wildcats earned a 41-14 victory over the Rams in non-region play.

Newton surrendered 31 first half points to the Wildcats, but outscored Valdosta 14-10 in the second half.

Newton coach Terrance Banks said said that Valdosta looked like the more prepared team out of the gate.

"Valdosta did what they are known to do," Banks said. "They just controlled the line of scrimmage from both sides early in the game. Our kids were slow and were flatfooted and they controlled us better than I thought they would."

"In all, I did not do a good job of having the kids reay for the game," he said. "It showed."

Newton running back Artice Hobbs scored both touchdowns for the Rams on the ground in the second half.

"In the second half, we looked like a much different team," Banks said. "We made some adjustments and they paid off for us."

The loss sends the Rams into next week's contest against Langston Hughes needing a win to get back to .500 this season.

Hughes defeated previously undefeated Rockdale 34-0 Friday night.

"Hopefully we will come back out next week and get reenergized," Banks said. "We have to understand that each game is a game within itself. Past games don't count.

"Every week is a new challenge," he said. "We have to get back to doing the things that made us successful. We got away from that a little bit against Valdosta. We're going to have to work to get that spark back."

The Rams will travel to Hughes for a 7:30 p.m. start.