Coach Josh Skelton: Outwork Everybody – Building Newton Rams Football Culture and Chasing Championships – Episode 53

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Written By Trey Bailey
 

In Episode 53 of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down with Newton High School Head Football Coach Josh Skelton for a deep dive into what it takes to lead a high school football powerhouse in Georgia’s toughest region. Skelton, now entering his third season as head coach, shares stories of his journey from volunteer to leader, his vision for the Rams’ culture, and how Newton High is preparing for a big 2025 season.

This episode is a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and community connection. Whether you’re a Newton County local, a Georgia high school football fan, or simply someone who values the role sports play in shaping young lives, this conversation delivers insights, inspiration, and a whole lot of Rams pride.

From Volunteer to Head Ram

Coach Skelton’s journey began in 2012 when he volunteered a few days a week for Newton High’s football program. Originally from DeKalb County and a graduate of Stevenson High School, Skelton moved to the area after college at Jacksonville State. His early years at Newton were spent learning the ropes, building relationships, and eventually serving as weight room coordinator, recruiting coordinator, and defensive coordinator.

By the time he was named head coach, Skelton had already invested years into the program and the community. Now entering his third season at the helm, he’s guiding the Rams with the same values that got him here: hard work, accountability, and an unwavering belief in his players.

The Changing Face of High School Sports

High school sports in 2025 look very different from a decade ago. Skelton points to the rise of year-round specialization, elite travel teams, and the impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) rules as major shifts in the landscape. Gone are the days when three-sport athletes were the norm—now, families are making strategic decisions about where their children play, sometimes relocating for better athletic opportunities.

For Skelton, adaptation is key. He’s proactive about bringing in speakers to educate players and parents on NIL, contracts, and financial literacy. While NIL hasn’t yet transformed high school sports at the same scale as college, he knows it’s coming and wants Newton athletes prepared for the opportunities—and pitfalls—ahead.

Roster Breakdown: Young Talent, Veteran Leadership

The 2025 Newton Rams are a young team, but they’re far from inexperienced.

  • Quarterback: Four-year starter Deron Benson returns as a leader both on and off the field. An AP student with a sharp football mind, Benson is like a coach on the field—trusted to read defenses and make adjustments in real time.

  • Running Back Corps: This might be Newton’s deepest position group. Headlined by Kevin Hartsfield—a nationally ranked RB with offers from Ohio State and Georgia—this room also includes senior Kaden Hambright, sophomore Tabian Thomas, and freshman Karter Lumpkin, son of NFL alum Kregg Lumpkin.

  • Offensive Line: Anchored by veterans Corde Marks and DeMario Morgan, the line is one of the most experienced in recent years and should be a strength for the Rams’ offense.

  • Defense: While the D-line lost key players, leaders like George Bell are stepping up. The secondary is loaded with juniors, including top-rated corner  Omarion Wallace and all-state safety Braylon Miller.

Skelton believes chemistry in the locker room—especially in the backfield—is the team’s secret weapon.

Culture: #OutworkEverybody

If there’s one phrase that defines Newton Rams football, it’s #OutworkEverybody. This isn’t just about lifting more weight or running more sprints—it’s about consistency in the classroom, respect in the community, and preparation for life after football.

“We want to outwork people in the classroom, in the community, and in everything we do,” Skelton says. “When we approach game day, we want to feel like we’ve done absolutely everything possible to prepare.”

Facilities and the Home Field Advantage

Newton High is on the verge of opening its own stadium—a long-awaited upgrade that will give the Rams their own home turf for the first time in decades. Skelton and his players drive past the construction site daily, watching the progress. While seniors won’t get to play in the new facility, the anticipation is energizing the program.

The new stadium won’t match the size of Georgia’s most lavish high school venues, but for Skelton, the value is in ownership and pride. “When you can call it yours, that’s special,” he says.

Rivalries and Community

Few games in Georgia high school football rival the atmosphere of Newton vs. Eastside. Skelton describes it as a true rivalry where records don’t matter—just pride, preparation, and bragging rights. Players on both sides often grew up together, only to face off under the Friday night lights with the whole community watching.

The tradition is so strong that it draws comparisons to South Georgia football towns where the city shuts down on game night. For Skelton, these rivalries are about more than competition—they’re a celebration of Newton County itself.

Academic Accountability

Skelton takes as much pride in his players’ grades as their stats. Under his leadership, Newton has implemented systems to support academic growth, with players improving GPAs, learning study habits, and building life skills. The message to parents is clear: Newton football will reinforce the lessons taught at home, from cleaning your room to meeting academic goals.

Season Outlook

Despite being young, the Rams are confident. The goal is always the same: make a deep playoff run and compete for a state championship. Skelton knows the road won’t be easy in Georgia’s “SEC of high school football,” but with leadership from Benson, depth in the backfield, and a united locker room, Newton is ready to surprise people.

Newton Rams schedule:

  • Aug 15 - Eastside

  • Aug 22 - @ Alcovy

  • Aug 29 - @ Douglas Co

  • Sep 5 - @ Bryant (Ark)

  • Sep 19 - Archer*

  • Sep 26 - @ Grayson*

  • Oct 3 - @ Grovetown*

  • Oct 10 - @ Heritage*

  • Oct 16 - Rockdale*

  • Oct 31 - South Gwinnett*

Important Links

Listener Call to Action

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and SHARE it on your social media pages. Your shares help us reach more listeners in Newton County and beyond.

The Town Square Podcast runs on donations and gifts from our community. To keep these conversations from the messy middle coming, please consider making a one-time gift or setting up a $2 or $5 monthly recurring donation. Your support helps Gabriel and Trey continue their mission to create unity, not uniformity in our community.

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Thank You to Our Sponsors

SCB Construction Group

Locally owned and community driven, SCB Construction Group is an Engineering News Record Top 100 Southeast Contractor and multiple-time Best of Newton winner by The Covington News. Specializing in turnkey design-build, design-bid, and commercial contracting, they deliver projects across Georgia and beyond—from manufacturing facilities to sports complexes.

📞 Phone: 678-212-2190

🌐 Website: https://scbcg.com

Big House Payment Solutions

Serving over 400 businesses in 15 states, Big House Payment Solutions offers secure, seamless payment processing tailored to your needs. Based in Newton County, they’re committed to helping small businesses grow with premium service and personal attention.

📞 Phone: 706-207-0244

🌐 Website: https://bighousepaymentsolutions.com

 
Trey Bailey https://www.treybailey.us
Next

Coach Jay Cawthon: Bleeding Green and Building Culture at Eastside High School – Episode 52