New Palestine's offense has passed muster this year.
Emphasis on passed. And passed. And passed some more.
Connor Simmons had radar-like accuracy tonight as he completed 21-of-26 passes for 287 yards and 5 TDs in the Dragons' 34-21 victory over Pendleton Heights.
Josh Penley (9 catches, 151 yards, 3 TDs) and Brandon Collins (7 catches, 104 yards, 2 TDs) were again Simmons' favorite targets. Penley caught TD passes of 21 and 24 yards in the first half to give NP a 14-0 lead. A 48-yard pass to Collins on a beautiful long throw by Simmons made it a 20-7 game at halftime. Collins then caught an 8-yard pass on the first play of the fourth quarter, while Penley's 32-yard TD catch midway through the fourth iced it.
Collins marked his third 100-yard game of the year. Penley had his second.
PH had 300+ yards of offense, but needed 81 plays to do it. NP's defense -- led by Chris Wolf, who was in the backfield often tonight and had constant pressure on the Arabians' outstanding QB Mitch Patishall. NP's defense had three interceptions -- by Dakota Smith, Brandon Wiggins and Jackson Taylor. The first two set up touchdowns.
The Dragons are 3-0 for the first time since 1994. They have a big showdown with Delta -- which is 3-0 on the field but 1-2 due to forfeits -- next week at Lucas Oil Stadium.
PH is 2-1 but will be a force to be reckoned with in the HHC with a very talented offense and a veteran line on both sides of the ball. The Arabians host Shelbyville next week.
You can listen to an archive of tonight's game at www.hancockcountysports.com. Next week, join us for two games: Mt. Vernon at Rushville, 6:30 p.m. Friday, and NP vs. Delta, 11:30 a.m. Saturday.
Elsewhere in the HHC
Delta 19, Greenfield-Central 17: Great game at Cougar Stadium tonight. Delta takes an early 13-7 lead and runs out the clock in the fourth quarter. G-C has never beaten Delta, but the last two games have been razor-thin margins. The Cougars will also be a major player in the HHC race, which could be a multi-team scramble. Delta now 3-0 (1-0) on the field (1-2 actually), G-C 1-2 (0-1).
Mt. Vernon 35, Yorktown 14: Tyler Dicks scores twice and has another 100-yard game. JonMichael Weaver scores the Marauders' last TD on a return, scoring the first touchdown of his career. MV is now 3-0 on the season under coach Doug Armstrong heading into next week's matchup with Rushville. MV 3-0 (1-0), Yorktown 2-1 (0-1)
Shelbyville 29, Rushville 12: The Golden Bears bounce back after two tough non-conference losses, giving every HHC team a win on the year. Shelby 1-2 (1-0), Rushville 2-1 (0-1).
Elsewhere in Hancock County
Indian Creek 50, Eastern Hancock 10: The Royals hung with IC early -- trailing 7-3 early in the second quarter after Cooper Henderson's field goal -- but Indian Creek is one of the top 3A programs in the state. EH is a growing 1A program that's going in the right direction. Royals 1-2 (1-2), visit Milan next week.
Next week in the HHC
Mt. Vernon at Rushville, 7 p.m. (www.hancockcountysports.com)
Shelbyville at Pendleton Heights, 7:30 p.m. (WEEM-91.7, WSVX-1520)
Greenfield-Central at Yorktown, 7:30 p.m. (WRGF-89.7)
Saturday: New Palestine vs. Delta, noon (www.hancockcountysports.com)
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