Newsome

At a glance

Coach: Justin Shive

Class: 2A, District 8

Last season: 20-2

Key players: WR Anna Bartolomeo, Sr.; WR/QB/S Abby Bridges, Jr.; WR Emma Clough, Jr.; LB Dallas Edwards, Jr.; CB/WR Theresa Hospodarek, Jr.; WR Theresa Huff, Jr.; LB Laila Wood, Jr.; Rusher Hailey Wolpert, Jr.

Schedule

Mon. at Hillsborough, 7:30

Thurs. Vs. Lennard, 7:30

Fri. vs. East Lake, 7:30 (Pirate Bay Shootout)

Sat. vs. Seminole Ridge, noon (Pirate Bay Shootout)

Mar. 7 at East Bay, 7:30

Mar. 10 at Bloomingdale, 7:30

Mar. 22 vs. Plant City, 7:30

Mar. 23 vs. Plant City, 7:30

Mar. 27 vs. Robinson, 7:30

Mar. 30 vs. Middleton, 7:30

Apr. 6 vs. Tampa Bay Tech, 7:30

Apr. 7 vs. Miami Cooper City, 12:30 (Pirate Bay Shootout)

Apr. 8 vs. Orlando Jones, noon (Pirate Bay Shootout)

Apr. 8 vs. Gibbs, 3 (Pirate Bay Shootout)

Apr. 10 at Plant, 7

Outlook

Newsome is coming off the greatest two-year run in program history with a state title in 2021 and a state runnerup finish last season. 

To contend again, the Wolves will have to rely even more on their defense, especially after the offense lost a number of playmakers. 

Quarterback Devyn Silvestri (4,528 yards, 65 touchdowns last season), and receiver Madison Ludwig (885 yards, six touchdowns) both graduated. 

Kayla Ludwig, who served as Silvestri’s understudy the past two years and threw more than 800 yards and 16 touchdowns as a backup last season, is out after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in her knee.

Still, there is enough talent to keep Newsome among the state’s top contenders. 

The Wolves have four returning receivers – Anna Bartolomeo, Emma Clough, Theresa Hospodarek and Theresa Huff – who all had at least 300 yards last season. Abby Bridges, who was promoted from junior varsity late last year, also should have a prominent role on offense. 

The defense is an experienced group, led by Hospodarek, who had 55 tackles and 11 interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns, a year ago. Hailey Wolpert (team-leading 10 sacks last season) also is back.