Newark senior running back Kolton Peterson scored on a 2-yard run with 1:03 left in the game Friday night, lifting the Wildcats to a 29-22 victory over visiting Lancaster at White Field to close Ohio Capital Conference-Buckeye Division play. The touchdown was the 35th of Peterson’s career and made him Newark’s all-time leading scorer, adding to a resume that already included the program’s all-time rushing record, set earlier this season.
The winning drive was set up by a special teams break. With Lancaster appearing ready to get one last chance to break a 22-22 tie, a punt struck the foot of a blocker and Newark sophomore Noah Jackson recovered the ball at the 15-yard line. Four plays later, Peterson powered into the end zone for the deciding score.
Newark (4-6, 2-5) built a 14-0 lead in the second quarter, but Lancaster (2-8, 2-5) answered with 15 consecutive points to move in front. The Wildcats responded to regain a 22-15 advantage, only for the Golden Gales to tie the game again and set up the dramatic final minutes between the longtime rivals.
Lancaster’s comeback rode on its own star senior running back. Jahmeir Gordon piled up 265 yards on 34 carries in his final game, scoring on runs of 33, 6 and 29 yards to keep the Golden Gales within striking distance all night.
Peterson’s night carried history beyond the final score. In reaching the end zone for the 35th time in his career, he passed every scorer in program history, capping a senior season in which he also became Newark’s all-time leading rusher. Newark coach Bill Franks credited the offensive line for the winning push, saying the line stepped up and Peterson busted through.
Senior lineman Dakota Howard said the win mattered because of who shared it. Playing up front with juniors Grant McMullen and Israel Fraizer and sophomores Madden Mautz and Max Donchess, Howard said it felt amazing to end the season on a good note with friends and family, even after a year in which the Wildcats’ record fell short of their hopes.
The victory closes the regular season for Newark at 4-6, while Lancaster finishes 2-8. For the Wildcats, the rivalry win and Peterson’s record-setting finish give the program a memorable ending to conference play, with the senior class leaving White Field as winners in its final home rivalry game.