SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
Newton Railers
After a winless 2024 campaign, the Newton Railers are hungry for a breakthrough, and head coach Taylor Counts believes the pieces are in place to make it happen in 2025.
“We want to take the next step as a program and compete at the high level we believe we can play at,” said Counts, now in his second season leading the Railers. “Our goal is to definitely get into the win column this season.”
Newton returns a strong core of contributors on both sides of the ball, including 11 returning starters, and brings momentum from a focused and productive offseason.
“We had a heck of an offseason and look forward to seeing that hard work carry over onto the field,” Counts said.
The Railers will lean on senior quarterback Kolbie Espada, who passed for 583 yards and four touchdowns last year, and top target Jonathan Hill, who caught 22 passes for 340 yards and two scores while also contributing 24 tackles on defense.
The backfield will feature junior Kingston Henry, who rushed for 354 yards and two touchdowns, and junior Kane Wise, who led the team with 42 tackles from his defensive back position. Kaleb Jacobs, a senior fullback and linebacker, adds experience and toughness to both units.
Other key returners include Major Giles, Clyde Thomas, Christian Henderson, and Orlando Gonzalez. Henderson made a significant impact up front last year, recording 21 tackles and 7 tackles for loss in just five games.
Special teams will be handled by junior Emerson Gering, returning as both kicker and punter.
Now competing in a competitive Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Division II, Newton will look to translate offseason gains into Friday night success. The Railers are aiming to improve execution, close the gap in league matchups, and lay the foundation for long-term growth.
With a committed staff and a motivated group of upperclassmen, Newton enters 2025 with a clear focus.
“We believe in what we’re building here,” Counts said. “We’re ready to take the next step.”
2025 Schedule
Sept. 5 vs. Maize South
Sept. 12 at Andover Central
Sept. 19 at Eisenhower
Sept. 26 vs. Goddard
Oct. 3 vs. Salina Central
Oct. 10 at Andover
Oct. 17 vs. Hutchinson
Oct. 24 at Ark City