NEWCASTLE RACERS
Coach: BO BRADSHAW
9-3
Newcastle charges into 2026 with high expectations after a 9-3 season under head coach Bo Bradshaw, who is now in his fourth year leading the Racers. Bradshaw says they “look forward to having a good season” and notes the team has “a lot of potential” but will need to “work hard and come together” to chase its goals.
The Racers’ offense is built from a spread base with a balanced approach that still emphasizes establishing the run. Bradshaw describes the philosophy as a “Spread” look with a “Balanced attack” built to “Establish and control the run game,” allowing Newcastle to dictate tempo and wear down defenses. Senior running back Ben Rogers, the team’s VYPE Top 100 nominee, headlines the attack after a productive 2025 season even while sharing carries with graduated senior TJ Bradford; he’s already drawn interest from programs such as Oklahoma State, Purdue and Iowa State. Around him, senior Ashton Shumard provides versatility as a QB/WR/ATH who can line up wherever needed and is athletic enough to start at any position on the field. Up front, senior lineman Cody Nix anchors an experienced offensive line, while senior receivers Alec Shumard, Montre McGlugricth and Elyjiah Beamus give Newcastle a deep and seasoned receiving corps. With that senior-heavy group, the Racers plan to stress defenses vertically and horizontally while leaning on a punishing run game.
Defensively, Newcastle leans on a 4-2-5 structure that plays to team speed and aggression. Bradshaw labels the scheme, “4-2-5. Fast ’N Furious,” with an emphasis on “Play physical and sound defense” and having “All 11 players race to the ball.” Senior linebackers Preston Scagnetti and Quinn Housely patrol the middle as tone-setters, while senior defensive end Thomas Barbee and Nix on the interior give the Racers power and toughness up front. Junior outside linebacker Damari Morgan adds an athletic edge presence, and senior defensive back Ashton Jay leads a secondary that’s expected to take away big plays and create turnovers. Rogers also has experience on defense at outside linebacker, giving the staff flexibility when they want their best 11 on the field. Underclassman tackle/defensive end Stockton Herring is pegged as a rising star after logging significant reps as a freshman; his size, mindset and work ethic have him projected as a long-term anchor on the offensive line and a factor on defense. With Rogers’ star power, Shumard’s leadership and a defense built to swarm, Newcastle believes it has the tools to make another strong push toward a deep playoff run in 2026.
To nominate a high school student for a feature in VYPE Magazine email a nomination to [email protected]
