EDGINGTON The one thorn in Newmans side a year ago was a loss to Rockridge.

Consider that thorn removed.

The Comets overcame a sluggish first-half performance to rally for a 20-14 victory over the Rockets on Friday night in a battle of state-ranked teams. Newman entered the game No. 1 in Class 2A, while Rockridge checked in at No. 3.

Newmans win helped take some of the sting away from a 21-9 loss to the Rockets in 2013, the only blemish in a 13-1, state championship campaign.

Most of us knew the feeling we had last year, junior running back Brady Rude said, and we were determined not to have that feeling again. Were not satisfied, though. Its on to Week 2.

Rude was involved in the games biggest plays. His 25-yard run was the lone offensive highlight in the first half for the Comets, and kept the team within 14-8 at the time.

A 39-yard TD run by Rude to open the second half drew the Comets even at 14-14.

Newman took the lead for good on its only completed pass of the night, a 12-yard strike from Logan Whitman to Dillan Heffelfinger with 3 minutes, 16 seconds left in the third quarter.

After that, it was a matter of hanging on. The Comets did that, largely because of Rude.

With 6:56 left to play, speedy Rockridge quarterback Luke Johnson got loose up the right sideline and appeared headed for the tying score. He was tracked down at the 12, however, by Rude after a 56-yard gain.

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Comets avenge 2013 opening-game loss to Rockridge