Congratulations to the Pendleton Heights Arabians, who win their first sectional title in school history with a 14-0 victory over Greenfield-Central in a game I billed the "Redemption Bowl."
Both teams had avenged regular-season losses during the sectional. Both had turned around one and two-win seasons and finished third in a tough Hoosier Heritage Conference this year.
And PH pulled out a 14-0 win.
Arabian senior Dezmon Nunn ran 34 times for 176 yards, caught four balls for 32 yards and scored both of the game's TDs. PH came out conservatively, running and running and running to Nunn some more. PH drove inside the 15, but fumbled on its first drive. However, the Arabians forced a three-and-out, a short punt and Nunn cashed in on a 3-yard run. In the second quarter, a G-C fumble at the 47 was followed by a long pass to Kurt Talbert, which eventually set Nunn up to catch a 13-yard screen pass for a TD. QB Mitch Patishall was 9-for-14 for 85 yards.
Led by LB Patrick Butler and a host of others, PH's defense then took over from there, not allowing the Cougars to cross the 30-yard line the rest of the game and surrendering just one more first down.
G-C had some opportunities -- freshman Brant Boles-Lattimore nearly broke the opening kickoff, before being brought down by kicker Jon Furrow. The Cougars drove the ball to the one-inch line in the second quarter, only to have a fumbled snap lead to a turnover on downs. Derek Conley nearly broke a 50+-yard run for a TD, but the officials said his forward progress had been stopped. G-C's defense was strong, forcing four turnovers, but the Cougars weren't able to overcome the deficit.
The Cougars finish the year with a 7-5 record and their first appearance in the sectional title game since 1994. It was their best year since 2002's HHC championship team. PH is now 9-3, and is in the midst of its best year since sharing that 2002 HHC title with Greenfield-Central.
Coach Roger Dodson is to be commended for a tremendous turnaround with the Cougars, as does G-C's outstanding senior class and a tremendous defense.
Coach John Broughton and the Arabians are to be congratulated as they win the first sectional title in school history, and for Coach Broughton, the first in his 35-year career. PH has had some great football teams over the years, and the Arabians finally broke through and hoisted the trophy tonight, touching off a wild celebration.
PH hosts Cathedral in a battle of 9-3 teams next week in the Class 4A regional.
Jim Ryan and I had a great time broadcasting football for you this year. We will begin basketball broadcasts with two Mt. Vernon vs. Hamilton Heights games on Saturday, Nov. 27. The girls game broadcast will begin at approximately 2:10 p.m., with the boys game broadcast with yours truly and Chris Lambert at 7:10 p.m.
PH is the lone HHC team remaining, as Delta fell 28-7 to New Haven in Sectional 12 tonight. Best of luck to the Arabians next week.
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