Million’s big plays help Newton get past Valley Center

NEWTON – One week after what was perceived to be a season-defining win over Arkansas City, there was more behind Valley Center’s performance than football itself; it was a chance to prove that its program is ready to compete.

But Newton running back Bradley Million was having none of it.

The senior took the Railers’ first play from scrimmage 30 yards for a touchdown after a Valley Center fumble 19 seconds into the game to get Newton (2-1) off to a fast start in a 26-21 win.

“It was just surprising how big the hole was,” said Million.

The modest tailback’s night didn’t end there, either.

After a dominating first quarter that included a 1-yard touchdown run from Newton’s Jamel Wagoner, Valley Center turned the tables.

Quarterback Dylan Scheer found junior wideout DeMarco King on a perfectly thrown 8-yard out route in what appeared to be a momentum shifting play with 2:45 left to play in the first half.

But just as he did to open the game, Million took his first touch after the kickoff 62 yards for a score to put the Railroaders back up 18-6 just before the break.

“I would say we were sluggish in the second quarter, so Brad’s run was extremely important,” said Newton coach Nate Wollenberg. “We know he can turn it on and use the jets.”

Million rushed for 174 yards on 14 carries to go along with his two touchdowns. His backfield mate, Wagoner, was brutally efficient as well, turning his 10 carries for 28 yards into two rushing touchdowns, the second of which put Newton ahead 28-7.

Newton was pushed in the third quarter, however, and found itself clinging to a five-point lead heading into the fourth.

Scheer led Valley Center to 14 unanswered points after the intermission, connecting with Andrew Skaff on a 29-yard touchdown pass and turned the contest into a one-possession game just 1:16 seconds later after the Hornets pounced on a muffed kickoff by the Railers. The 255-pound quarterback powered his way into the end zone from a yard out to make the score 26-21.

Newton regained its edge in the fourth, however, using the clock to its advantage and holding onto the ball for nearly 10 minutes in the game’s final quarter.

“We are so close,” said Valley Center coach Caleb Smith. “We have to get over that mentality that moral victories are OK and figure out what it takes to win football games.”

This story was originally published September 20, 2014 at 12:24 AM with the headline "Million’s big plays help Newton get past Valley Center."