Last season the Newton Rams posted a record of (6-5) and advanced to the first round of the GHSA state playoffs. The story of that team has to be told in three chapters. The Rams opened the 2022 season with three straight wins, then game four consecutive losses against McEachern, Westlake, Grayson and Brookwood. A win over Parkview got things going in the right direction with two games remaining. I remember speaking with then head coach Camiel Grant who said that one of his assistant coaches had spoken to the team. The coach encouraged the team to keep their focus on the task ahead of them and stay strong," strong like black coffee".
Well the man who was serving up the strong black coffee last season has taken over the role of head coach for 2023. Josh Skelton has been a part of the program at Newton for 11 seasons and told me the transition has been a positive one.
"Spring was great," says Skelton. "Most importantly we came out healthy. We had a great off season and our numbers have skyrocketed. We learned a lot. We’re young on defense, but getting those guys going has been great. Offensively, we are doing some of the things we want to do as well."
Team culture is important to Skelton, who is aiming to encourage achievement and aiming high both on the football field and in the community. The goal is to create a high school athletic experience based in the total development of the student athlete.
"It’s been good so far, just getting the guys to do a strong thing with the culture," says Skelton. "Our community outreach program, taking our guys to financial literacy programs, the whole nine. I have been excited showing our guys other things outside of football, it’s been great. Our administration has been very supportive and our guys are learning to play the right way, playing up to our standard.
We want to play fast, we want to play physical, and we want to be disciplined. It’s been great."
A state quarterfinalist in 2014, the Rams won their region in 2015, but that was the last time they advanced beyond the first round of the state playoffs. Skelton was around the Newton program during those times and sees limitless possibilities for the Rams in the years ahead.
"When it comes to expectations, nobody’s expectations are higher than ours inside that building," responds Skelton. We want to go all the way this year and we don't see any reason why we can’t. We’re going to put it together and see what happens."
The Newton Rams will open the season against Hapeville Charter on Saturday August 19. Don't forget the season premiere of the High School Scoreboard Show will be Friday August 25 7pm until Midnight on Sports Radio 92.9 The Game, available everywhere on Audacy