The Byron Varsity Football team fell to New Lothrop in the last year of the annual GAC Conference showdown between New Lothrop and Byron as New Lothrop moves to the GAC Red starting next fall. It was a hard fought back and forth game with New Lothrop taking a 21-14 lead into halftime. The Eagles tried to make a comeback in the 2^nd half but two costly interceptions ended promising drives for Byron. A late score in the 4^th quarter by the Hornets put the game away for good and gave New Lothrop a 27-14 win and moves them to 5-0 on the season. The Eagles move to 3-2 (2-2 GAC Blue) on the season and hope to rebound from the loss with Bendle on Friday Night.

The Eagles could not get anything going on the ground rushing for 71 yards as a team on 24 carries compared to New Lothrop’s 241 yards on 40 carries. Junior Connor Raymond had 11 rushes for 38 yards. A lack of running game forced the Eagles to go to the air where Senior Payne Staton had a great game throwing for 213 yards and two touchdowns on 13 completions. He also had two interceptions and was sacked 4 times. On the receiving end of Staton’s passes were Senior Josh Holczman who had 4 catches for 81 yards, Junior Austin Smithingell who had 3 catches for 69 yards and a touchdown, and Senior Thomas White who had 3 catches for 41 yards and a touchdown.

Leading the Eagles on defense was Senior Keiffer Kennedy who had 9 total tackles on the night. Senior John Helms had 8 total tackles and Senior Hunter Richardson had 7 total tackles. Four Byron players also had 5 total tackles a piece.