For his effort in the Rams' 34-28 loss to Eastside last week, Newton quarterback Romario Johnson has been named the Newton High School Athlete of the Week.

Johnson threw for 222 yards on 16-of-31 passing for the night, finishing just above the 50 percent completion mark in the first game of his varsity career.

Down 19-0 to start the game, Johnson engineered a late-game comeback bid that fell just short, hitting receivers Taylor Hawkins and Davonta Jones for touchdown passes in the Rams' late rally.

"I think I played well," Johnson said. "It felt great. We capitalized on a lot of big plays. We just have to continue to do what coach is saying."

Johnson and the Rams' offense take on their next challenge tonight they battle the state's No. 4 ranked team in Lowndes at 7:30 p.m.

"We need to stay turnover free and keep the team mentally focused," Johnson said.

Johnson also led the team with 79 rushing yards in the loss, finding the end zone once on the ground.