The Newton Rams will look to recover from their first loss since September by hosting Luella Thursday at 7 p.m.

Newton began Region 2-AAAAAA play with three straight wins, setting up a matchup of unbeaten teams in league play last Friday. Lovejoy came away the winners, 51-6, and region champions, but Newton (3-5, 3-1) still found its way into the postseason. The Rams are now trying to hold on to second place and maintain a home game in the first round of the Class AAAAAA playoffs, starting Nov. 16.

To do so, the Rams simply need to win over the 2-3, in region play, Lions. The win will guarantee, at worst a two-loss region slate, with Newton holding the tiebreakers over the two other two-loss teams, Alcovy and Rockdale.

The Bulldogs were finding a rhythm on offense with James Hardeman and the running game opening maintaining possession. Newton's defense then led the way from there, permitting 21.4 points a game, including 9.6 in five games not against state powers Lovejoy, Lowndes and Valdosta.

The Lions are coming off a 21-6 win over the region's only winless team, Morrow, which snapped a two-game skid.

Prior to the victory, Luella lost to Lovejoy 60-0 and Rockdale 21-20.

The Lions began the season with five straight losses, including a 50-23 opening defeat against Lowndes. Newton fell to Lowndes a week later, 31-0. Thursday's senior night at Sharp Stadium also marks the season finale for Luella, which cannot make the playoffs thanks to losses to Alcovy and Rockdale.