Newman impressive on both sides of ball in scrimmage with St. Thomas Aquinas

Video: Newman coach Nelson Stewart post-scrimmage

NEW ORLEANS – It is always difficult to replace a record setting quarterback.

That is the daunting task for Nelson Stewart at Newman.

Having lost Miles Lapeyre to graduation, Stewart has turned to junior Martin Butcher with sophomore Beau Adams in reserve . Based on early returns, Stewart, Newman and his new quarterbacks will be just fine.

Butcher and Adams each threw for a pair of touchdowns and the Newman defense forced seven turnovers as the Greenies outscored St. Thomas Aquinas six touchdowns to none at Lupin Field Friday evening.

Butcher completed 20-of-30 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns with one interception while Adams was 8-of-10 for 133 yards and two scores. James Poche’ rushed seven times for 22 yards and a touchdown while junior T.J. Bush rushed once for eight yards and caught three passes for 86 yards and a touchdown. Joseph Pleasant rushed four times for 30 yards.

Storey Charbonnet caught six passes for 106 yards. Joel Funderbrook had a touchdown reception. Jarmone Sutherland had five catches for 63 yards and a touchdown. Murray Calhoun had four catches for 70 yards and a score. Dylon Hill caught three passes for 28 yards.

“I thought our offense was efficient and liked what Butcher did, other than the interception,” Stewart said. “Both of our quarterbacks did a nice. Our receivers are a clear strength of our team. All of those guys are back. I love the way Butcher worked his progessions. He extended some plays. We think he has a chance to be a special quarterback. Poche’ is a returning starter and a solid player and T.J. Bush is one of our most improved players. He has great burst.”

Sam Moses had a pair of interceptions, Jack Reynolds, Sterling Scott, Calder Schmidt and Colton Davis each had an interception and Andrew Gottsegen recovered a fumble recovery for the Greenies.

“I was really, really happy with our defense,” Stewart said. “I thought they rallied to the football, forced turnovers and I really liked the way our defensive line played. I think that was the story, putting our offense in position to make plays. All of our secondary is back. We’re six or seven deep at that spot.”

St. Thomas Aquinas struggled to move the football. Running back Zach Gore rushed nine times for 21 yards. Junior quarterback Ryan Dawsey was 6-of-16 for 45 yards and suffered four interceptions. Defensively, Patrick Cody had a fumble recovery while Terrance Jackson had an interception.

Newman will host Pope John Paul II while St. Thomas Aquinas travels to LaPlace to take on St. Charles Catholic in jamboree action next Friday night.