Southeastern Louisiana Steel Sharks’ quarterback Brandon Newman scored the game-winning touchdown propelling the Steel Sharks to a 24-20 win over the Louisiana Westbank Warriors Saturday night.

In a battle of 3-0 teams at William Pitcher Junior High School in Covington, the Steel Sharks trailed 20-16 with one minute left. Facing fourth-and-goal from the Warriors’ two, Newman ran an option to the right and scored. Kendrick Perry added the two-point conversion to seal the victory.

“It felt great because we were debating on calling another quarterback sneak, but they had the A gap (both sides of the center) filled up,” Newman said. “Coach called an option right. There was one person out there, but I had two blockers and a guy to pitch it to.”

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On the drive, the Steel Sharks worked the ball to the 10 where they set up a first-and-goal. Newman advanced the ball to the eight and then Pearl River graduate Steven Sylvas ran it to the four, setting up third down. Newman tried to sneak it, but was stopped at the three, setting up the dramatic finish.

On the next drive, Dewayne Pittman came up with an interception with 23 seconds left to seal the victory. Southeastern Louisiana’s defense was up to the task throughout the game, intercepting three passes. Craig Fox and Flem Washington also came up with picks for the Steel Sharks.

Steel Sharks general manager Lee Hillman said he was proud of the way his team handled the hype leading up to the contest.

“I was excited about this game all week and I was happy with the way the players came out and played their hearts out,” Hillman said. “I was also happy with the way the coaches didn’t blow the game out of proportion and treated it like a regular season game.”

The Steel Sharks are 4-0 for the first time in their eight-year history.

Southeastern Louisiana trailed throughout the contest. Following a scoreless first quarter, the Warriors got on the board first and led 6-0 after the failed two-point conversion. But the Steel Sharks came back when Newman hit Johnny Thomas for a 25-yard scoring strike. The two-point conversion was good and Southeastern Louisiana led 8-6 at halftime.

In the third quarter, the Warriors retook the advantage on an interception return for a score. The two-point try was unsuccessful and it was 12-8.

Back came the Steel Sharks. With two minutes remaining in the third period, Sylvas tallied from three-yards out and then tacked on the two-pointer, giving his team a 16-12 advantage following the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Westbank Warriors went back in front on a touchdown pass. The successful two-point conversion made it 20-16 with 5:30 left in the game.

But the Steel Sharks weren’t going to be denied as Newman tallied the game winner.

Southeastern Louisiana’s season continues Saturday night at William Pitcher Junior High with a game against Houston. Tickets are $8 for adults, $2 for children ages 5-12 and those under five get in free.