Rose holds off Newton for Stren victory

The home-field advantage never materialized for Jonathan Newton during this year's Stren Series Championship on Pickwick Lake.

Some thought the Rogersville native would parlay his ample experience with the waters here into a title, but he came up short Saturday, earning second place and $25,000.

He finished with a three-day total of 15 fish weighing 50-10.

"Everyone expects you to do good," he said after Saturday's weigh-in at Florence's Wal-Mart. "But there were so many things I wasn't used to out there."

He said the higher-than-usual water level - thanks to recent heavy rains - and a more formidable current negated any experience he had on the others.

And unlike the majority of the field, he relied heavily on Wilson Lake, hoping his familiarity there would reward him for straying from the more-packed Pickwick.

"I knew I had a chance going into today, but I needed a 20-pound bag," he said. He netted 15-3 instead.

Mark Rose had a little something to do with it too.

Rose, of Marion Ark., took the top prize, with a three-day total of 55-1. It marks the third straight year he has won a fall tournament here.

"It feels good," he said after receiving a $115,000 check for his efforts. "I love this place. I read the water good here."

He has amassed more than $902,000 in FLW Outdoors competition.

Rose maintained the lead through the entire tournament.

Rounding out the top three was Ott Defoe, of Knoxville, Tenn.

Though the payday was nice, it won't keep Newton from his day job.

"I'm going back to work on Monday," the pipefitter quipped.

Brian Hughes can be reached at 740-5720 or brian.hughes@TimesDaily.com.