The football team started the 2013 season with a 42-22 win against Newton Friday at K.T. Woodman Stadium.

The Eagles started out slowly, giving up a touchdown during the first possession to the Newton Railers. The team later recovered with senior running back Chase White scoring a 5-yard touchdown run.

“Our coach told us that they came to play too and that the team needs to get their mind right,” White said.

The Eagles then came out with quarterback Connor Lungwitz, junior, throwing a 79-yard touchdown pass to receiver Kendall Stewart, junior, to put the eagles up 13-8.

White rushed for 203 yards with 20.5 yards-per carry and scored three touchdowns for the Eagles. Lungwitz completed 6 of 12 passes for 12 passes for 104 yards and a touchdown.

Special teams played a key part for the win. Junior return man Elijah West returned a 77-yard punt for a touchdown in the first quarter, and Stewart had an 89-yard kickoff return in the third quarter for a touchdown.

 Salina South, ranked first in the state and coming off a victory over previous No. 1 Derby, is scheduled to play Maize at 7 p.m Friday at K.T. Woodman .

“We need to improve on speed and adjustments when we face Salina South,” senior Nick Benford said.