By PETE MOLLICA

sports@vindy.com

NEWTON FALLS

Columbiana took advantage of an injury riddled Newton Falls team Friday night with a 40-7 victory behind the efforts of junior quarterback Austin Barbato.

The Clippers (2-1) overcame an early 7-6 deficit and scored 34 unanswered points with Barbato directing the offense.

Newton Falls (1-2) was without starting quarterback Matt Brazin and his top receiver and kick returner, Brian Moser, who are both probably out for the season with injuries.

Barbato showed off his quickness and elusiveness by rushing for 169 yards on 14 carries, including a 70-yard touchdown run that put the Clippers ahead late in the first quarter.

“We played much better tonight, but that was a pretty nicked-up Newton Falls team, nowhere near what they’ve been capable of,” said Columbiana coach Bob Spaite.

“Austin is an outstanding athlete and very elusive and can really make things happen quickly,” he added. “He’s probably not the fastest sprinter on the team, but he’s just exciting to watch when he has the football.”

Newton Falls coach Greg Lazzari also praised the Clippers.

“We’re hurting right now, but don’t take anything away from Columbiana; they are a very good football team,” he said. “But I would have loved to have played them at full strength.

“Injuries are a part of football and we just have to regroup and do the best that we can,” he added. “I feel that Cody Dillon is going to be OK at quarterback and will bring some things to our offense.”

Columbiana scored on its opening possession as Jeff Davidson capped a 40-yard drive with a 1-yard plunge, but the Tigers came right back to take the lead after Jacob Miller recovered a Clippers’ fumble. On the first play Dillon connected with Eric Kline for a 54-yard touchdown pass.

But then Barbato broke the game open with a 70-yard touchdown run that was something to watch as he broke several tackles, reversed his field and rambled all the way.

The Tigers made a key mistake in the second quarter as Chance Marsh couldn’t handle a poor pitch and Nick MacMillan scooped it up for the Clippers and raced 63 yards for the score.

Another Newton Falls mistake, a interception by MacMillan on a Dillon pass, set up another score which came on a 1-yard run by Nick Roncone and gave the Clippers a 26-7 halftime lead.

Columbiana opened the second half with an 80-yard, 11 play drive that put the contest away as Britton Steiginga raced 17 yards for the score.

The Clippers’ final score was a 53-yard run with a fumble by Nate Huk.