This Georgia rivalry dates all the way back to the 1960s, with the two teams battling for the coveted “Barrel,” which is painted half purple and half blue to represent the colors of the two teams. This rivalry has been intense and close in recent years, so this matchup is anyone’s guess. East Coweta ran all over Newnan in 2016, defeating the Cougars 28-0. However, last season Newnan won a close one over East Coweta 30-28. Friday’s matchup will certainly be interesting, as these two teams once again battle for “The Barrel.”

MVP

Woody Waters

Newnan

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Taylor McCawley

East Coweta

Taylor is a two year letterman and starter on the football team. He is the epitome of what a student athlete should be. He plans to attend a top notch university and continue his football career.

Will Anderson

Newnan

Will is a 3-year letterman on the football team and varsity tennis team. He is a two-year started on the offensive line for the Cougars. He is a member of the National Honor Society and Science Olympiad. He plans on attending either the University of Georgia or Auburn University.

HALL OF FAME

Lloyd Knott

East Coweta

Coach Knott has been head trainer for the team since 1983. He has nursed injuries for thousands of students through the years with all sports. In 2013, the Brantley/Knott water cooler was awarded to the winning team in the Newnan/East Coweta crosstown rivalry in Lloyd’s honor. His passion for athletic training began at Mississippi State in 1970 and he’s been involved in every football game at East Coweta since.

Garrison Morgan

Newnan

Garrison was a three year Varsity starter for the Cougars on the offensive line and named Team Captain his senior year. He was also Captain of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was a role model for his peers. He continues to lead by example at West Georgia Tech.

GAME SUMMARY

Newnan came out of the gates ready to play in this one, but East Coweta matched them step for step early on. The two teams traded blows and big plays, leading to a 15-13 Newnan lead at the half. All evening when they needed to step up, the Newnan offense did. Just before the half, the Cougars completed a crucial 2-point conversion to take that halftime lead. East Coweta took the lead back 16-15 with a field goal early in the second half, but Newnan aswered right back with a touchdown for a 22-16 lead. From there, the Cougar defense held strong, refusing to let the Indians score any more points. In the end, Newnan defeated East Coweta 28-16.