Newman’s Matthew Blackert Shines in 40-14 Victory Over Orion

UPDATE: Newman Comets’ tailback Matthew Blackert, famously known as “the Harmon Bullet,” showcased his explosive talent in a commanding 40-14 victory over the Orion Chargers on September 20, 2025. The junior standout rushed for an impressive 171 yards and scored three touchdowns, asserting dominance on the field and elevating Newman’s record to 4-0 this season.

Newman, ranked No. 3 in the latest Class 1A Associated Press poll, proved their mettle against a formidable Orion team fresh off a 27-point win over Mercer County. Blackert’s performance, coupled with crucial contributions from the defense, kept Orion’s star duo, Kale Filler and Owen Vorhees, on lockdown.

“We were focused all week,” said Blackert, who hails from Harmon. “We knew if we play as a team, we’ll win as a team.” The Comets’ preparation paid off as they capitalized early with a quick touchdown just 90 seconds into the game, following a recovered mishap on the kickoff.

The game faced a 45-minute delay due to lightning, but Newman maintained their intensity. After the break, they quickly recovered a fumble, leading to a 10-yard touchdown pass from Evan Bushman to John Rowzee, making it 14-0. By halftime, Blackert added another score, extending the lead to 20-0.

“Right when we got in the locker room, we were focused on, ‘Hey, don’t lose sight of where we are right now,’” Blackert emphasized.

Newman continued their offensive onslaught, holding Orion to just six points until the final minutes of the game. Filler struggled against a relentless Comets defense, finishing with just 92 yards passing and one touchdown. Vorhees contributed with 91 yards rushing and another 19 yards receiving.

Blackert’s impact was felt on special teams as well, returning the second-half kickoff to the Orion 30-yard line. “I couldn’t have done it without everyone blocking for me,” he stated. “The holes were there.” The Comets’ comprehensive team effort was evident, with Bushman throwing for three touchdowns and executing a nearly flawless game.

Newman head coach Mike LeMay praised Blackert’s dynamic play, noting, “He can play anywhere, and he just seems to never gas out. That’s just great. He’s an awesome leader of this team.” LeMay expressed confidence heading into their next match against Rockridge, stating, “We’ve got some things we need to clean up against really good teams.”

The Comets are set for a significant challenge next week against Rockridge, who also holds a record of 4-0. With no injuries reported from the Orion game, Newman aims to build on their momentum and address key areas for improvement.

This victory not only showcases Newman’s potential but also sets the stage for an exciting season ahead. Stay tuned as the Comets continue their pursuit of excellence in the league.