Cougars gear up for 2004

By By Marty Stamper/EMG sports assistant
July 3, 2004
DECATUR Just like last year, Newton County will open its 2004 football season with games against four larger schools in order to get ready for a rugged Division 5-3A schedule.
Prior to the four non-division games, however, the Cougars will play in a three-school jamboree at Union on Aug. 20. Also on hand will be Union and Newton.
Newton County went 6-5 in 2003, losing 24-6 to eventual state champion Greene County in the first round of the 3A state playoffs.
The Cougars host Kosciusko on Aug. 27, go to Oxford to take on Lafayette County on Sept. 3, host Northeast Lauderdale on Sept. 10, and visit Quitman on Sept. 17.
Newton County's string of four straight 5-3A championships ended last year.
The Cougars will face the league's top two teams from last year West Lauderdale and Forest on Sept. 24 and Oct. 1.
The Cougars first four games will have 7:30 p.m. kickoffs with the 5-3A contests to begin at 7 p.m.