It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Newark Makerhoods at the KruegerScott Mansion in Newark, NC gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Newark, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always Best Care provided excellent support in helping my Mom find the most appropriate Assisted”
“My brothers and I have been caring for our Mom’s healthcare for the past 2”
“Sandy Bowen met with me when I was first making the hard decision to find”
“Looking for a placement is always difficult for a family. Contacting Sandy to help was”
“I have been working for ABC for two years now, and I am very grateful”
“Such a wonderful place to work! Caregivers that genuinely care with office support that go”
“I bn with this company for Abt a year and I love working for them”
“I cannot say enough good things about this company and the caregivers they provided after”
“This company is TOP-NOTCH! Incredibly helpful and super friendly. If you’re looking for a part-time”
“Sandy is very knowledgeable of assisted living options in the Winston Salem area. She helped”
“I highly recommend Sandy Bowen with Always Best Care. I called her with a very”
“The staff and caretakers are wonderful. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who needs at home”
“These folks are so helpful! They care about their clients and it shows in the”
“The staff and caretakers are wonderful. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who needs at home”
“During an unexpected hospital stay, Joanne provided much needed assistance. She provided excellent care and”
“If you are looking for attentive, quality home care look no further than Joanne and”
“Always Best Care provided excellent support in helping my Mom find the most appropriate Assisted Living facility. We are grateful for their experience, advice and fielding great questions in the process. They also have stayed in touch making sure Mom is settling and finding peace in her new home.”
“My brothers and I have been caring for our Mom’s healthcare for the past 2 1/2 years, and in that time the knowledge, support and insight from our consultant, Sandy Bowen, at Always Best Care has made the difference between us feeling like we were suddenly out to sea in completely uncharted waters and finding that we had a competent guide and helper for the journey. There were so many details, both administrative and practical, that we were unaware of, and Sandy was always a step or two ahead of us. She had her eye out for us and our mom and was present and available from the very beginning. She did her job as a caring and compassionate professional who was also a genuine friend and ally. I cannot recommend Always Best Care and Sandy enough! I will definitely continue to tell others about them.”
“Sandy Bowen met with me when I was first making the hard decision to find a SAFE and loving place for my mom. She listened to all my emotion and to my logistical needs. She answered ALL my questions with empathy, knowledge and experience. She took that information and showed me several places taking into account how difficult it was to balance our financial situation with wanting the best care for my mom. At that point, i hesitated, procrastinated and avoided making a decision. When it became clear to me that i couldn't delay any longer, Sandy told me her honest opinion about the places that would provide what I was looking for. I was still apprehensive. This was not a position I'd ever dreamed of being in. So, I had to go look one more time at the place I felt drawn to. She gladly made the 2nd visit happen. I chose Clemmons Village. It was so clean, the residents looked content and well cared for. The financial aspect was a surprisingly good fit. But mostly, the staff at clemmons village were so kind, helpful and down to earth. Now these past few years have proven this to be the best decision I could've made. Even if we'd been better set financially, looking back i would chosen the same. Everything Sandy did during the whole process was as if she'd done it for her own family. She told the truth. She held my hand, so to speak. And she found exactly what I was looking for. I couldn't be more grateful. I 1000% recommend Sandy Bowen and Always Best Care... they truly live up to the name!”
“Looking for a placement is always difficult for a family. Contacting Sandy to help was the best option. She was familiar with all assisted living/memory care facilities around town and was quick to respond to the family with tours. She delivered FL2 forms to physician's and made the transition an easy process. I recommend Sandy 100 % for any family needing a smaller community for their elderly family member.”
“I have been working for ABC for two years now, and I am very grateful for my position. The staff are acceptable, the clients are lovely, and the environments are professional. I highly recommend PCAs and CNAs to apply.”
“Such a wonderful place to work! Caregivers that genuinely care with office support that go above and beyond for staff/clients. Highly recommend for employment and senior in-home care support.”
“I bn with this company for Abt a year and I love working for them . They work with you,they care about ur personal life/ problems, really good at matching you with good clients..”
“I cannot say enough good things about this company and the caregivers they provided after my mom's recent accident and stay in a rehab facility. The staff were constantly in communication with us keeping us abreast of any little or big updates. Their attitudes were always helpful and they seemed to genuinely care. The caregivers they sent to sit with and take care of mom were EXCELLENT. I'm not sure how many different caregivers she had over the few weeks of her stay but there wasn't a single one that wasn't kind and extremely helpful. It took a tremendous load off of everyone in our family knowing that she was being well cared for when we couldn't be there. Thank you to Brandi, Joanne, Gina, and anyone I'm missing for everything you all did for us from the beginning of the process all the way to my mom's release today. Hopefully, we won't need your services again, but if we do, I know who I will be calling!”
“This company is TOP-NOTCH! Incredibly helpful and super friendly. If you’re looking for a part-time in caregiving, this is it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”
“Sandy is very knowledgeable of assisted living options in the Winston Salem area. She helped with a family member’s search with care and consideration. We highly recommend.”
“I highly recommend Sandy Bowen with Always Best Care. I called her with a very tight timeframe to find a suitable memory care facility for my family member. She asked a lot of questions about my loved one to try and get to know her as much as possible. She worked very fast and lined up several appointments for us to tour places within a matter of days. She explained the process to me every step of the way and made sure we stayed on track. She attended the appointments with me and asked questions that I would never think to ask. I can’t thank her enough.”
“The staff and caretakers are wonderful. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who needs at home care for themselves or loved ones”
“These folks are so helpful! They care about their clients and it shows in the service! I highly recommend ????”
“The staff and caretakers are wonderful. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who needs at home care for themselves or loved ones”
“During an unexpected hospital stay, Joanne provided much needed assistance. She provided excellent care and supportive advocacy. It made dealing with the discomfort more bearable and gave me a safeguard to decipher the complicated choices to resolve health issues. I highly recommend this service.”
“If you are looking for attentive, quality home care look no further than Joanne and her team. A passion for excellence is driven for from this team. Family oriented and willing to work with all families.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Weequahic Park in Newark, NC with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Fornos of Spain or visit New Jersey Historical Society, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Newark, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Newark, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Newark, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
FAIRBORN — It was not about the culmination of a four-year journey for the Newark Catholic volleyball seniors.The pride for the program runs deep for a group of girls that have not known life without it. Their goal was not simply to take NC back to the state tournament but to what the Green Wave believed was their rightful position on top.“Especially after seeing how we have gone to state so many times and only having the outcome of eight championships, we really put in our mind that we wanted to get this job done,&...
FAIRBORN — It was not about the culmination of a four-year journey for the Newark Catholic volleyball seniors.
The pride for the program runs deep for a group of girls that have not known life without it. Their goal was not simply to take NC back to the state tournament but to what the Green Wave believed was their rightful position on top.
“Especially after seeing how we have gone to state so many times and only having the outcome of eight championships, we really put in our mind that we wanted to get this job done,” senior Sydney Gummer said.
NC won that elusive ninth state championship for the program Nov. 8, sweeping St. Henry in the Division VI final. The Green Wave won No. 8 in 2004, and they fell short of an unbeaten season and No. 9 a year later.
It took two decades to win that last game. It is something the Green Wave knew all too well, directed by coach Katie Hill, a member of the 2007 state qualifier and players, who had several older sisters and relatives that had come up short.
Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!“My sister went to the Final Four, and she was devastated after she lost," added Gummer, whose sister Ava starred for NC during runs to the state tournament in 2019, ‘20 and ‘22. "We knew we didn’t want to have that feeling."
Hill’s lead assistant Mackenzie Egan played in the state tournament with Hill in 2007 and again in ‘08. Hill started coaching in the program as the seventh-grade coach for the current seniors, and they began the climb together.
“We understand the heartbreak that has been on that court, and we wanted to make sure we were going to establish the outcome,” Hill said. “We wanted it in our hands.”
Senior Natalie Harrington appropriately held the championship trophy high as the Green Wave celebrated with the student section following the victory against St. Henry, leading the program to that first unbeaten season since 1983.
Harrington seemed destined for this moment. Her sister Katie played for NC in the state tournament in 2008, and she and her mom Mary (Weisgerber) Harrington became the program’s first mother and daughter to finish on top.
“With our coaches being alumni and having skin in the state championship game, it gives us a lot of heart,” Harrington said. “It makes this less of a game and more of a family. It gives us a purpose. We have something to look forward to after school every day. We have people to confide in every day, especially these amazing coaches.”
It was not simply like family for the Green Wave. It was literal family.
Junior Leah Caudill and sophomore Sophia Basham also had older sisters play in the program as did Caudill’s mother, and the aunts of four NC players. Harrington, Caudill and sophomore Aubrey Winters are cousins going back to five generations of Winters.
“We just know the reputation of NC, the legacy that NC has,” Caudill said. “We really hold that close and play to the level we know we can. We hold ourselves to that (standard).”
The Green Wave now have raised the bar for future generations.
"We wanted to start a new chapter of NC volleyball with this state championship," Gummer said.
740-973-4541
Instagram: @newarkurt
NEWARK — Jack Gossett said he owes Carmine Annarino and Billy Staneart a debt of gratitude for having his back when he first stepped into a varsity game for the Newark Catholic football team.After two seasons together, Gossett will no longer have those two behind him. Next season, Gossett will be taking the next wave of NC linemen under his wing.“Carmine and Billy made a major impact on me especially sophomore year coming in as a 160-pound right tackle,” Gossett said. “Carmine and (2025 graduate Keaton H...
NEWARK — Jack Gossett said he owes Carmine Annarino and Billy Staneart a debt of gratitude for having his back when he first stepped into a varsity game for the Newark Catholic football team.
After two seasons together, Gossett will no longer have those two behind him. Next season, Gossett will be taking the next wave of NC linemen under his wing.
“Carmine and Billy made a major impact on me especially sophomore year coming in as a 160-pound right tackle,” Gossett said. “Carmine and (2025 graduate Keaton Helms) helped me earn my keep on the line. Games can be tough, but I knew I had Carmine right next to me.”
Annarino and Staneart played their final game along with classmates Kylen Eskins and Owen Przymierski in Week 10, falling 52-7 to visiting Johnstown to wrap up Licking County League-Cardinal Division play. On Saturday morning, NC (2-8, 1-4) went from a small senior class to a big senior class.
Gossett, who was joined on the offensive line by classmates Max Moore and Jack Lohri, said they must take what learned from those before them if they are going to continue the climb back to prominence. NC only won one additional game this season, but the Green Wave showed potential 2027 could be much better in the win column.
Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!“As a junior class, we are close, but we are not close enough,” Gossett said. “We have to keep to coming together as a brotherhood and become one.”
Embedded content: https://www.newarkadvocate.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2025/08/20/2025-licking-county-football-schedule/84438240007/
Gossett developed into one of NC’s top defensive players at linebacker. He made three tackles, of his 31 tackles on the season, and intercepted a pass in a 28-14 victory at Lakewood in Week 9.
“Even if the score has been bad, we have fought until the end,” Gossett said. “We are improving every week, every day. We are getting better.”
Junior Jaxon Holman eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark, rushing for 1,041 yards and seven TDs. Junior Malone Hutchison threw for 1,498 yards and 20 TDs as Eskins, 33 catches, 359 yards, junior Kyler Dales, 20 and 305, and freshman Landon Cox, 27 and 303, emerged as the most productive targets.
Holman also led the team in tackles, making 61 with Przymierski adding 51 in a half-season of action. Cox made 50, who finished an impressive freshman season, stepping in at quarterback against the Johnnies after Hutchison left injured.
Coach Josh Hendershot noted the production is only half the battle. Where this season’s seniors excelled was on the practice field and in the locker room.
The seniors set an example for the junior class to follow and add to the foundation.
“A legacy is a lot more than wins and losses,” Hendershot said. “It’s who you are, what you show your teammates and what you establish. Those four guys have done a fantastic job. They have been put in a hard situation. It’s rare to have so few, and they have taken on that huge task. They have busted their butt and continued to lead those guys, and that is something I appreciate.”
740-973-4541
NEWARK – It's been a baptism by fire for Newark Catholic's freshmen.A year ago, they were playing eighth grade football. Now, several of them are on the field full time for the varsity, and more than holding their own.Kyler Dales, who leads the Green Wave with five touchdown receptions, has to sit the second half of the season due to transfer rules. Enter ninth grader Landon Cox, who hauled in eight passes for 101 yards in the 35-14 loss at Utica and also had an interception."He played absolutely amazing,"...
NEWARK – It's been a baptism by fire for Newark Catholic's freshmen.
A year ago, they were playing eighth grade football. Now, several of them are on the field full time for the varsity, and more than holding their own.
Kyler Dales, who leads the Green Wave with five touchdown receptions, has to sit the second half of the season due to transfer rules. Enter ninth grader Landon Cox, who hauled in eight passes for 101 yards in the 35-14 loss at Utica and also had an interception.
"He played absolutely amazing," said freshman classmate Tommy Anderson, who has played defensive end and linebacker. "He took a couple of body slams, literally, and got right back up."
Cox has also started most of the season in the secondary, where he has 23 tackles, 14 assists and two interceptions. At Utica, he tied Jack Gossett for the team lead with four tackles and two assists.
Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!"Just the size, power and hitting. It's definitely a big jump (from the eighth grade)," Cox said. "But a couple of buddies and I really worked throughout the summer, because we thought our chance might come. It's definitely exciting, and like the coaches say, 'I'm a sophomore now.'"
As coach Josh Hendershot pointed out, these are 14-year-olds going up against 18-year-olds. Another freshman, Dayne Scott, has 13 tackles and 13 assists.
"Landon has bought in from the start," he said. "He's taken the coaching and given his natural ability a chance to shine. He's taken some shots and gets right back up."
Anderson checks in at a lanky 6-foot, 155 pounds but is able to overcome it.
"He's done a good job," Hendershot said. "He's not the biggest guy, but with his coachability and attention to detail, he makes up for it."
Anderson did not expect to get much varsity playing time. But he's excited to get the opportunity.
"It's a completely different sport (than eighth grade)," Anderson said. "I was one of the biggest guys in eighth grade, and now I'm being outweighed by 50-60 pounds. I've taken baby steps but I'm getting there. I still have a lot to work on."
Despite all the youth and injuries, NC could be sitting at 4-3 after three losses by a total of five points. Instead, it is 1-6, 0-2 going into the Oct. 10 Licking County League-Cardinal Division clash with Heath (3-4, 2-0) at White Field.
Embedded content: https://www.newarkadvocate.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2025/08/20/2025-licking-county-football-schedule/84438240007/
"We talk a lot about system, not outcome," Cox said. "We're close, really close to getting there, and we're building for the future."
Added Anderson: "We always pick each other up, no matter what the score, and don’t bring each other down. It's next play mentality."
"We continue to grow just by handling adversity, and we've seen a lot of it," Hendershot said. "We're have good leadership with our four seniors (Owen Pryzmierski has been a welcome addition on both sides of the ball the last two games). They've kept their heads up."
Heath offers another opportunity for growth.
"It's homecoming for us, against a longtime rival which is playing well," Hendershot said. "We're exited at the chance."
Sophomore Jaxon Holman, who ran for 115 yards at Utica, has rushed for 651 yards, caught 25 passes with three touchdowns, and also leads the Green Wave with 33 tackles and 28 assists.
740-704-7973
X: @grover5675
Instagram: @dfweidig
336-654-5001
