The Newton Cardinal football team will scrimmage against Des Moines Christian at 7 p.m. tonight at H.A. Lynn Stadium.
Newton is coming off a 10-2 season that ended back in November after a semifinal loss to Cedar Rapids Xavier in the Uni-Dome. Head coach Andy Swedenhjelm says several key performers from last season have graduated, but there is still plenty of talent on this year’s team.
“Obviously, we had three all-state guys graduate, but a lot of people tend to forget that we have three all-state guys back. A lot of places, year in and year out, you have to replace good players. We are fortunate to have good players, and you have to replace them at some point. We have been prepping kids for that role.”
Nick Milburn was a First Team All-State linebacker last season, while Isaiah Hansen and Qhjuan Coley earned Second Team All-State honors as a running back and tight end/fullback, respectively. They are back this year.
The Cardinals will open the season next Friday night at Carlisle.
