The Newton football team is set to face the Gilbert Tigers on Friday night, striving for their first state semifinal appearance since 1990. The matchup will mirror previous district games from the last two seasons, but the players in the backfield for the undefeated Tigers will be notably different this year.
According to head coach Andy Swedenhjelm, “I believe they are a little more balanced this year in regard to who carries the ball and how they try to attack, which makes it more important that we stick to our roles and read our keys. Playing tough, disciplined, and fast will help us play well.”
Last season, the Tigers relied heavily on their star running back, Will Hawthorne, who accounted for a significant portion of their carries. Hawthorne is now at Iowa State University, leaving Gilbert with 14 players who have contributed to the rushing game this season, with seven running the ball at least ten times. This diversified attack, combined with their unusual Wing-T offense, could pose a tougher challenge for Newton.
Gilbert enters the game ranked first in 4A and boasts an impressive 3,248 rushing yards, having only attempted 34 passes throughout the season. Coach Swedenhjelm noted, “They try to run a system-based attack where they will do different things based on the defensive alignments they are given. It can create a few challenges, but at the end of the day, winning defense is about reading your keys and tackling well.” He expressed confidence in his defense”s recent performance and their preparation for the game.
Gilbert is one of only two undefeated teams in 4A, sitting at 10-0 for the first time in school history after a narrow victory against Council Bluffs Lewis Central in the first round of the playoffs. Meanwhile, Class 4A No. 4 Newton comes off a dominant 51-7 win against state-ranked Fort Dodge, showcasing their best performance of the season.
The game kicks off at 7 p.m. at Tiger Stadium in Gilbert. Newton has not reached the state semifinals since losing in the 1990 championship game. Since 2014, the Tigers have a 3-1 record against the Cardinals, including a 30-7 victory last season. However, Newton triumphed over Gilbert earlier this year with a score of 21-2.
Newton has achieved 12 consecutive home victories and holds a 16-6 record on the road since 2021. Gilbert, which finished last season at 9-2, has had notable wins this season, including a 49-18 triumph over No. 8 North Polk in Week 9.
Leading the charge for Gilbert is senior Cameron Cantonwine, who has amassed 1,113 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns this fall. In addition, senior Ean Eldred has contributed 708 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, while senior Gabe Fierce and junior Tayton Worg have also made significant impacts on the ground game, with multiple touchdowns among them.
Gilbert averages 7.6 yards per carry, putting pressure on Newton”s defense. Coach Swedenhjelm emphasized the need for disciplined defensive play, stating, “When you play a team that has complementary looks and option looks, it”s extremely important to make sure you have someone assigned to each phase of the option game.” He cautioned that any deviation from assignments could lead to big plays for the Tigers.
On the offensive side, senior quarterback Caden Klein has thrown for 327 yards and three touchdowns while leading the team with 649 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns. His passing performance has set school records with 1,522 passing yards and 17 touchdown passes this season. Senior Finn Martin has emerged as a key receiver, recording 39 catches for 933 yards and 12 touchdowns, also setting school marks.
Defensively, Gilbert has allowed an average of 16.4 points per game. Despite some vulnerabilities, they have recorded 12 interceptions and 37 tackles for loss this season. Coach Swedenhjelm noted their defensive scheme, which features a base 4-3 alignment and a mix of cover 3 and cover 4, emphasizing their athleticism and discipline.
In special teams, Newton junior Jackson Price has set a school record for touchbacks this season, providing a significant advantage. Coach Swedenhjelm praised Price as “an awesome weapon for us,” noting his reliability and impact on the game.
As the Cardinals prepare for this critical matchup, they are not only aiming to secure a win but also to make history by reaching the state semifinals for the first time in over three decades.
