The opportunities were there.

But playing against Monmouth-Roseville’s sizable offensive and defensive lines, Newman made too many mistakes on Friday night to close the regular season with a 40-7 road setback in a cross-Three Rivers matchup.

The Associated Press Class 1A fourth-ranked Comets (7-2) now await their playoff opponent after the loss to the Class 3A Titans (8-1), who were coming off a 48-12 loss to 2A No. 1 Rockridge.

Forced to mainly pass the ball, Evan Bushman’s 16-yard touchdown throw to Asher Ernst on the opening drive was a promising start.

But the Titans’ defense dug in.

Nick Huston deflected Bushman’s pass on fourth down from the two-yard line to preserve a 20-7 halftime lead.

Newman could not find the red zone again.

“It’s always nice to have a little adversity.

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