Newsome shutout streak just awesome

LITHIA — The question — Do you remember the last team that scored on you? — seemed simple enough, but after thinking for a moment, Newsome defensive lineman Frank Marin struggled for the answer.

"Honestly," he said, "I couldn't tell you."

Frankly, it has been a while since the Wolves allowed a point. In fact, they haven't been scored upon since Sept. 26, when nationally ranked Armwood beat them 42-0. Since, the Wolves have blanked Robinson, Brandon and Riverview, outscored opponents 50-0 and arguably have become the team to beat in Class 5A, District 7.

"We have a lofty set of expectations for our defense," Newsome coach Kenneth Hiscock said. "They really have stepped it up and bought into the system."

It's safe to say Newsome (5-2, 1-0), which plays Plant City on Friday, would not be sitting where it is if not for defense.

Rebuilding with nine new starters on offense, the Wolves have produced only 71 points, which doesn't give the defense much margin for error and has resulted in several low-scoring (some might call "ugly") games.

"That's okay," defensive lineman Conor O'Neal said. "A 'W' is a 'W.' "

With the exception of losses to Jesuit (40-7) and Armwood, the team's lack of scoring prowess hasn't been an issue. In its other games, Newsome has allowed 12 total points.

For the Wolves, everything starts up front, where Marin and O'Neal, possible Division I-A recruits, anchor the line. Led by Trent Cornwell and Troy Green, Newsome also is strong at linebacker.

"We've got a lot of underrated people," O'Neal said.

In its own way, the offense has contributed, too. The Wolves might not score a ton of points, but they have moved the chains, which not only allows them to win the field position battle but gives the defense a rest.

"They have done their job," Marin said.

The question now is, how long can Newsome's shutout streak continue?

"All season," O'Neal said. "That's what we plan on doing."