RECAP: Newport’s Ground Game Powers Buffaloes Past Camp Hill, 38-28

Newport used a punishing rushing attack and several explosive plays to build an early advantage and hold off Camp Hill for a 38-28 victory.

The Buffaloes piled up 449 yards of total offense, including 310 yards on the ground, while Jameson Cummins and Landon Cigic combined for 229 rushing yards. Quarterback Logan Bates added three touchdown passes as Newport produced touchdowns on the ground and through the air.

Newport struck first when Bates connected with Cummins on a 17-yard touchdown pass with 9:17 remaining in the opening quarter. The extra point failed, leaving the Buffaloes with a 6-0 lead.

Camp Hill answered on the final play of the first quarter. Kristian Albrecht scored on a one-yard run, and Ben Mathias converted the extra point to give the Lions a 7-6 advantage.

The second quarter belonged to Newport.

Cummins put the Buffaloes back in front with a 24-yard touchdown run at the 8:51 mark. Less than four minutes later, Cigic provided one of the biggest plays of the game, breaking loose for an 88-yard touchdown run to extend Newport’s lead.

Camp Hill responded with an explosive play of its own when quarterback Colby Luther found Kam’ron Hayes for a 66-yard touchdown pass. Mathias’ extra point pulled the Lions closer.

Newport answered before halftime. Bates connected with Cigic for a 14-yard touchdown with 48 seconds remaining, sending the Buffaloes into the locker room with a 24-14 advantage.

Cigic continued his big night in the third quarter. He hauled in a 12-yard touchdown pass from Bates with 8:11 remaining, and Bates added the extra point to increase Newport’s lead to 31-14.

Camp Hill refused to go quietly.

Luther connected with Owen Grove for a six-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter, although the extra point was blocked. Just over a minute later, Sam Miller scored on a six-yard run before Luther converted the two-point attempt, suddenly cutting Newport’s advantage to 31-28.

The Buffaloes needed an answer, and they got one almost immediately.

Just 21 seconds after Miller’s touchdown, Khriztofer Granados scored on a four-yard run. Bates converted the extra point, restoring Newport’s two-score advantage at 38-28.

From there, the Buffaloes finished off the victory.

Newport’s ground game proved to be the difference. The Buffaloes rushed 41 times for 310 yards, led by Cummins with 117 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. Cigic needed only five carries to produce 112 yards and a touchdown, highlighted by his 88-yard scoring run. Granados added 41 yards and a touchdown on eight attempts.

Bates provided balance through the air, completing 8 of 13 passes for 139 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. Johnny Mayeresky led Newport’s receivers with three catches for 79 yards. Cigic caught three passes for 36 yards and two touchdowns, while Cummins’ only reception went for a 17-yard score.

Camp Hill did most of its damage through the air. Luther completed 18 of 25 passes for 261 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Miller led the Lions with seven receptions for 107 yards, Grove caught eight passes for 90 yards and a touchdown, and Hayes finished with two receptions for 71 yards and a score.

Newport’s defense also came up with key plays. Christopher Imler recorded the Buffaloes’ interception, while Nolan Smith registered a sack.

Camp Hill finished with 291 total yards but was held to just 30 rushing yards on 26 attempts. The Lions also lost two of their three fumbles, while Newport played turnover-free football.

The Buffaloes finished with a 22-14 advantage in first downs and outgained Camp Hill 449-291. Newport’s ability to control the ground game, generate explosive plays and answer Camp Hill’s fourth-quarter comeback attempt ultimately carried the Buffaloes to the 38-28 victory.