Newman, Manning outscore Benton in 54-52 shootout

It has the feel of being a game where whoever had the ball last would win.

Balls were flying everywhere, players were running in space for long gains and scores and points were plentiful at Lupin Field Friday night.

In the end, Newman remained unbeaten, outscoring Class 5A Benton 54-52 in an absolute shootout.

It was the second win for the Greenies over a 5A opponent this season. Two weeks ago, Arch Manning was superb in the second half in a 35-14 win at 5A Hahnville.

Last week, Manning was tremendous in a victory over Riverside.

Friday night was the best yet, against a quality opponent, as Manning completed 22 of 36 passes for 372 yards and four touchdowns and added a 35-yard touchdown run in a dominant performance.

Things did not start well for Newman.

Benton was unstoppable in the first half, exploding to a 32-14 lead by halftime.

Then, Manning and the Greenies exploded for five touchdowns in the third quarter, including four straight after trailing 39-20.

The turning point came after Newman scored to cut the deficit to 39-27 on a 46-yard touchdown pass from Manning to Peter Loop. when Texas commit Will Randle, who earlier had a 10-yard touchdown reception, recovered an onside kick. Randle left the game injured on a non-contact injury. His status moving forward is unclear.

Manning and Loop did it again, hooking up on a 29-yard touchdown pass to make it 39-34.

Will Zurik then raced 31 yards for a touchdown and a two-point conversion gave the Greenies a 47-39 lead.

The Tigers cut the deficit to 47-45 but failed on a two-point conversion and Manning then hit Will Loerzel on a 26-yard touchdown pass to make it 54-45.

Benton responded with another score to make it 54-52.

The Tigers got a stop and had one last chance but Newman came up with a stop to clinch the victory.

Special teams contributed to the win as well.

Austin Guillory returned a kickoff 99 yards for a score.

Speaking on The Three Tailgaters Show on NASH ICON 106.1 FM Saturday morning, Newman coach Nelson Stewart breathed a sigh of relief.

“These are the ones that take a few years off you in this profession, Stewart said. “Benton is extremely explosive. They jumped on us early. They were hitting everything. We were able to produce offensively and hang in. Our kids are resilient. We are playing this schedule for a reason. Benton is a really good team. There were so many big plays.”

The scoreboard conjured up memories of a game at Lupin Field 10 years ago.

“The 72-68 win over Carver (in 2012) is the only one which compares to last night,” Stewart said. “It was truly amazing to watch and be part of but it’s tough as a coach.”

While Manning has dealt with jeers and constant chants of “overrated” on a weekly basis. he has simply gone out and produced, playing at the highest level of his outstanding career.

“Arch has raised the level of his game,” Stewart said. “He’s throwing with touch. As a progression passer, he’s fantastic but his off-balance throws are amazing. He puts those right in there, even when he’s on the move.”

It is not just Manning’s ability to throw the ball which has made him so good.

“He’s willing to run the ball and does it well and he is a leader,” Stewart said. “He is executing. He is phenomenal. I hear a lot of things in the stands about his ability. Maybe he is actually underrated.”

It is out of the fire an into the frying pan as the very tough schedule continues for Newman at Many next Friday night.

“This is the one that a lot of people are looking forward to,” Stewart said. “I’d like to think we’ve been through a lot of battles now. We’ve been in the ring and thrown a few punches, been in those settings. They are expecting a massive crowd. Tackett Curtis is simply outstanding. They run that ‘Bear’ defense and try to slam it down their throat. It’s a big-time matchup.”

It is a matchup that everyone will enjoy watching, particularly since it cannot happen in the state playoffs.