We saw the Hoosier Heritage Conference race really become a two-horse show with a third team -- Mt. Vernon -- still having a shot tonight, with the big action taking place among our county schools.
Pendleton Heights did what PH does -- pull out to a big lead and beat Greenfield-Central 85-22. Kellen Dunham had 15 points for the Arabians as they built a 48-15 lead at the half. He finished with 18 points, as Matt Wehner's 20 led the Arabians, who now have a 6-0 HHC record and face Yorktown next week with the conference title on the line.
It's on the line because Yorktown beat New Palestine 64-53 at the Tigers' den tonight in the game we broadcast at HancockCountySports.com. Led by Michael Morris' eight first-quarter points, NP jumped ahead 16-9 early, but Yorktown used a 13-2 second-quarter run to take a 30-25 lead, and -- save one tie -- the Tigers would never relinquish it. Seth Cook, the Tigers' leading scorer, had eight of his 20 points in the second quarter, and teammate Brandon Phillips knocked down two big 3-pointers in the third en route to a 15-point night. Morris led the Dragons with 18 points, but he was the Dragons' lone double-figure scorer. Josh Penley and Brandon Jonas added eight each. Yorktown is now 11-3 and 4-0 in HHC play. NP is 10-4 and 3-2.
Mt. Vernon was the lone winner among county teams tonight. The Marauders beat Connersville 51-44 in the Spartan Bowl, rallying with a big second-half run to take the lead and take a 10-4 overall record. MV is back in action Saturday at home against HHC foe Delta. MV is 3-1 in HHC play.
One other county game on tap Saturday night, and it's the game we'll broadcast at HancockCountySports.com: Eastern Hancock at Greenfield-Central. The Royals are 7-7 and were idle tonight, while G-C
Showing posts with label yorktown. Show all posts
Showing posts with label yorktown. Show all posts
Friday, January 27, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Tuesday wrap: G-C wins
Greenfield-Central's girls improved to 12-6 on the year and finished HHC play with a 5-2 record after a 68-49 victory at Yorktown Tuesday night.
The Cougars jumped out to a 17-7 lead, and then outscored the Tigers 23-11 in the third quarter to pull ahead 53-34 going into the final eight minutes.
LaRae Cruz continued her high-scoring ways, totaling 22 points for the Cougars. Katie Peters and Sara Jones each added 10 points. Emily Koers had eight and Shelby Oldham six.
G-C finishes play next week with two games: at Whiteland Tuesday 1/31 and at home vs. Greenwood Thursday 2/2.
Listen to HancockCountySports.com this Wednesday for more girls hoops, as the New Palestine Dragons girls visit Lawrence Central. Tipoff is 7:30 p.m.
The Cougars jumped out to a 17-7 lead, and then outscored the Tigers 23-11 in the third quarter to pull ahead 53-34 going into the final eight minutes.
LaRae Cruz continued her high-scoring ways, totaling 22 points for the Cougars. Katie Peters and Sara Jones each added 10 points. Emily Koers had eight and Shelby Oldham six.
G-C finishes play next week with two games: at Whiteland Tuesday 1/31 and at home vs. Greenwood Thursday 2/2.
Listen to HancockCountySports.com this Wednesday for more girls hoops, as the New Palestine Dragons girls visit Lawrence Central. Tipoff is 7:30 p.m.
Hoop update
On Monday night, Eastern Hancock celebrated its Coaches vs. Cancer girls basketball game, but a furious second-half Royal rally fell just short in a 47-41 loss to Blue River.
EH trailed 9-2 after a quarter and 27-9 at halftime. The Royals used a 14-3 third quarter to slash the deficit to 30-23 after three, but the Vikings staved off the comeback.
Kristen Eischen led the Royals with eight points and 10 rebounds. Kiersten Schrope had seven points, seven boards and four assists. Hannah Best also had seven points and four assists. Lauren Harmon and Kaytlin Eastes added six points each.
The Royals (11-5) continue a three-game week this week by traveling to Tri on Thursday and hosting Waldron at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
Several girls games are on the docket for midweek. On Tuesday, the Greenfield-Central Cougars (11-6/4-2) conclude HHC play at Yorktown. On Wednesday, the New Palestine Dragons (9-9) look to extend their three-game winning streak at a tough Lawrence Central outfit. And on Thursday, the aforementioned EH-Tri game.
The NP-LC game will be broadcast live at HancockCountySports.com. Also, you can catch Friday's New Palestine at Yorktown and Saturday's Eastern Hancock at Greenfield-Central boys games at HancockCountySports.com. All broadcasts begin at 7:10 p.m.
EH trailed 9-2 after a quarter and 27-9 at halftime. The Royals used a 14-3 third quarter to slash the deficit to 30-23 after three, but the Vikings staved off the comeback.
Kristen Eischen led the Royals with eight points and 10 rebounds. Kiersten Schrope had seven points, seven boards and four assists. Hannah Best also had seven points and four assists. Lauren Harmon and Kaytlin Eastes added six points each.
The Royals (11-5) continue a three-game week this week by traveling to Tri on Thursday and hosting Waldron at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
Several girls games are on the docket for midweek. On Tuesday, the Greenfield-Central Cougars (11-6/4-2) conclude HHC play at Yorktown. On Wednesday, the New Palestine Dragons (9-9) look to extend their three-game winning streak at a tough Lawrence Central outfit. And on Thursday, the aforementioned EH-Tri game.
The NP-LC game will be broadcast live at HancockCountySports.com. Also, you can catch Friday's New Palestine at Yorktown and Saturday's Eastern Hancock at Greenfield-Central boys games at HancockCountySports.com. All broadcasts begin at 7:10 p.m.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Commentary: Expected NCAA ruling kills Hinkle event
By Andrew Smith,
HancockCountySports.com
A few years back, I grabbed a basketball, dribbled up to the lane, elevated on the springy Hinkle Fieldhouse floor, and fired a jump shot.
Swish.
Bobby Plump hit a memorable shot from nearly that exact spot on that exact floor nearly 50 years before. I wanted to do the same.
Why was it possible?
Because our high school team had been invited to Hinkle to play in a basketball doubleheader.
It was an annual tradition -- there were a few dates we circled on the high school basketball calendar. Sure, Pike High -- where I attended -- had a powerhouse basketball program that was consistently ranked among the state's best, so we played a lot of big games. But there were always a few dates that stood out -- the annual Marion County Tournament, with the final four at Southport in mid-January, and the annual games against other powers like Muncie Central and Ben Davis among them.
But the biggest was our annual trip to Hinkle Fieldhouse, almost always to play the equally-powerful Lawrence North Wildcats. Another memory is playing the Hall of Fame Classic in front of a nearly-packed house at Assembly Hall against Bedford North Lawrence and some guy named Damon.
But according to an NCAA ruling from last month, those things can't happen anymore, as the NCAA has spiked "non-scholastic" events from taking place at college venues. We all remember the furor when the ruling led to the disbanding of a sextupleheader that was scheduled for the gym in early December on 24 hours' notice. It appears to have also killed the Hoosier Heritage Conference girls basketball shootout that was to have taken place at Hinkle that is scheduled for Jan. 21, as reported by both the Daily Reporter and Indianapolis Business Journal sports guru Anthony Schoettle.
Originally, the girls basketball shootout was not affected by the NCAA rule, which only applied to boys hoops. But the NCAA is set to meet and likely add girls programs to that. My guess is, football is probably next.
It's intended to keep some schools from getting a recruiting advantage over others.
What it's doing instead is taking away opportunities. At the risk of telling a "walking to school in the snow uphill both ways" story, it's a crime that today's student-athletes won't get to experience what thousands of Hoosiers have been able to experience.
When we got to play our annual game at Hinkle, it was a date in the "big-time." It was a great opportunity for our players, our fans, our community to be a part of an awesome venue. Yes, Hinkle belongs to Butler University, but since it was built in 1928, it has really belonged to the entire state. It was "ours" -- Mecca for high school hoops. Just about every big game in Indianapolis was played there. It was practically the home gym for Crispus Attucks in its 1950s heyday, and an Indianapolis school could go through the entire state tournament without ever stepping off of Butler's campus to play a tournament game.
It was even better if you caught a day game -- as Mt. Vernon did a couple of years ago when its boys and girls teams played Hamilton Heights at Hinkle -- and saw the blue seats awash in the sunlight pouring in through the windows. But Hinkle was a magical destination.
This is a case of the NCAA cutting off its nose to spite its face. The percentage of student-athletes who will play at a Div. I college is miniscule, and any perceived recruiting advantage is definitely miniscule.
Are there unscrupulous operators who would try to schedule "made-for-TV" events with tons of prospective recruits in a college's venue? Certainly. But those are few and far between, and legitimate operations like Ray Compton's Compton Strategies get sucked into the vortex. It's unfortunate that the many (people like Compton, who have long put on such events that enhance the student-athlete experience) get sucked into the issues with a few.
A sensible alternative would be to have the NCAA approve the operators of such "non-scholastic events" and make sure they don't have ties with agents, shoe companies, AAU teams or colleges themselves. Because, in most cases, these events are put on by well-meaning people who are providing the infrastructure to give high school students a memorable experience, not to gain any perceived recruiting advantage for a school.
After all, high school games have been played at Butler for more than 80 years. It's only been in the last two that Butler University has advanced to the NCAA title game -- in an era when the slate of high school games played at Hinkle was sharply reduced.
The other issue is that conferences like the HHC have long been proactive about giving their student-athletes good experiences. Every three years since 2003, the HHC has held a football quadrupleheader at either the RCA Dome or Lucas Oil Stadium. Given the limited number of opportunities at Lucas Oil next year, the 2012 event -- if it happens -- is slated to be played either there or at Ball State University's Scheumann Stadium. BSU's venue has also hosted numerous "conference days" for neighboring leagues, including the North Central and Mid-Indiana Conferences. The eventual plan was to make this Hinkle quadrupleheader a regular day for both boys and girls teams, giving more of the conference's student-athletes a chance to play a memorable, special game in a special venue. They started with a girls basketball event because all eight HHC schools were slated to play conference games on the weekend of Jan. 21.
All of that could be in jeopardy. The HHC does this as a conference -- a scholastic entity -- to enhance opportunities for its student-athletes. Have a handful gone on to play in college? Certainly, but the vast majority of HHC athletes -- like any high school athletes -- will hang up their tennis shoes or cleats the moment their last IHSAA tournament event ends their senior years.
In the zeal to protect a select few student-athletes from unscrupulous recruiters -- those select few student-athletes who are often influenced by shoe companies, boosters and other handlers and who would be highly unlikely to be influenced by playing one high school game at a college venue -- we deny the many student athletes the opportunity to step out of the normal high school venue and play a memorable game at an awesome venue. We've essentially locked the door and said "to play here, you must get a scholarship."
That's wrong. Well-intentioned, but still wrong.
The NCAA is denying the opportunity to provide outstanding experiences for the many because of the fear of a few. A memorable day and a great celebration of a conference's basketball teams will instead become another 1/20th of the high school basketball schedule.
It's time for the organization to do the right thing and allow approved "non-scholastic" operators like Compton Strategies, the folks running the Region Roundball Rumble (which was booted from Valpo University) and Super Hoops -- whose Jan. 7 all-day classic at Mackey Arena was also shelved -- to use college venues if they've been properly vetted and are proven to not have ties to the slimier elements of college recruiting, and give student-athletes great experiences while they're still in high school, rather than reserving them for the select few who are talented enough to garner a Div. I scholarship.
Until then, I'd implore the HHC to continue to seek out a legendary high school venue within the conference footprint that would work. The Muncie and New Castle Fieldhouses are both iconic venues which would be a great place to host high school hoops.
Programming note: Because of this event changing and the games likely reverting back to their originally-scheduled campus sites, we will have to make adjustments to our broadcast schedule. We were slated to broadcast the New Palestine vs. Rushville and Mt. Vernon vs. Greenfield-Central games that Saturday, in addition to the Eastern Hancock at Lapel boys game that Friday night and the Mt. Vernon vs. Knightstown boys game that Thursday. Several games -- and game dates -- might change due to his move, and therefore, we will significantly change the broadcast schedule. Please stay logged into here, our Twitter account, our Facebook account or our website for more info.
HancockCountySports.com
A few years back, I grabbed a basketball, dribbled up to the lane, elevated on the springy Hinkle Fieldhouse floor, and fired a jump shot.
Swish.
Bobby Plump hit a memorable shot from nearly that exact spot on that exact floor nearly 50 years before. I wanted to do the same.
Why was it possible?
Because our high school team had been invited to Hinkle to play in a basketball doubleheader.
It was an annual tradition -- there were a few dates we circled on the high school basketball calendar. Sure, Pike High -- where I attended -- had a powerhouse basketball program that was consistently ranked among the state's best, so we played a lot of big games. But there were always a few dates that stood out -- the annual Marion County Tournament, with the final four at Southport in mid-January, and the annual games against other powers like Muncie Central and Ben Davis among them.
But the biggest was our annual trip to Hinkle Fieldhouse, almost always to play the equally-powerful Lawrence North Wildcats. Another memory is playing the Hall of Fame Classic in front of a nearly-packed house at Assembly Hall against Bedford North Lawrence and some guy named Damon.
But according to an NCAA ruling from last month, those things can't happen anymore, as the NCAA has spiked "non-scholastic" events from taking place at college venues. We all remember the furor when the ruling led to the disbanding of a sextupleheader that was scheduled for the gym in early December on 24 hours' notice. It appears to have also killed the Hoosier Heritage Conference girls basketball shootout that was to have taken place at Hinkle that is scheduled for Jan. 21, as reported by both the Daily Reporter and Indianapolis Business Journal sports guru Anthony Schoettle.
Originally, the girls basketball shootout was not affected by the NCAA rule, which only applied to boys hoops. But the NCAA is set to meet and likely add girls programs to that. My guess is, football is probably next.
It's intended to keep some schools from getting a recruiting advantage over others.
What it's doing instead is taking away opportunities. At the risk of telling a "walking to school in the snow uphill both ways" story, it's a crime that today's student-athletes won't get to experience what thousands of Hoosiers have been able to experience.
When we got to play our annual game at Hinkle, it was a date in the "big-time." It was a great opportunity for our players, our fans, our community to be a part of an awesome venue. Yes, Hinkle belongs to Butler University, but since it was built in 1928, it has really belonged to the entire state. It was "ours" -- Mecca for high school hoops. Just about every big game in Indianapolis was played there. It was practically the home gym for Crispus Attucks in its 1950s heyday, and an Indianapolis school could go through the entire state tournament without ever stepping off of Butler's campus to play a tournament game.
It was even better if you caught a day game -- as Mt. Vernon did a couple of years ago when its boys and girls teams played Hamilton Heights at Hinkle -- and saw the blue seats awash in the sunlight pouring in through the windows. But Hinkle was a magical destination.
This is a case of the NCAA cutting off its nose to spite its face. The percentage of student-athletes who will play at a Div. I college is miniscule, and any perceived recruiting advantage is definitely miniscule.
Are there unscrupulous operators who would try to schedule "made-for-TV" events with tons of prospective recruits in a college's venue? Certainly. But those are few and far between, and legitimate operations like Ray Compton's Compton Strategies get sucked into the vortex. It's unfortunate that the many (people like Compton, who have long put on such events that enhance the student-athlete experience) get sucked into the issues with a few.
A sensible alternative would be to have the NCAA approve the operators of such "non-scholastic events" and make sure they don't have ties with agents, shoe companies, AAU teams or colleges themselves. Because, in most cases, these events are put on by well-meaning people who are providing the infrastructure to give high school students a memorable experience, not to gain any perceived recruiting advantage for a school.
After all, high school games have been played at Butler for more than 80 years. It's only been in the last two that Butler University has advanced to the NCAA title game -- in an era when the slate of high school games played at Hinkle was sharply reduced.
The other issue is that conferences like the HHC have long been proactive about giving their student-athletes good experiences. Every three years since 2003, the HHC has held a football quadrupleheader at either the RCA Dome or Lucas Oil Stadium. Given the limited number of opportunities at Lucas Oil next year, the 2012 event -- if it happens -- is slated to be played either there or at Ball State University's Scheumann Stadium. BSU's venue has also hosted numerous "conference days" for neighboring leagues, including the North Central and Mid-Indiana Conferences. The eventual plan was to make this Hinkle quadrupleheader a regular day for both boys and girls teams, giving more of the conference's student-athletes a chance to play a memorable, special game in a special venue. They started with a girls basketball event because all eight HHC schools were slated to play conference games on the weekend of Jan. 21.
All of that could be in jeopardy. The HHC does this as a conference -- a scholastic entity -- to enhance opportunities for its student-athletes. Have a handful gone on to play in college? Certainly, but the vast majority of HHC athletes -- like any high school athletes -- will hang up their tennis shoes or cleats the moment their last IHSAA tournament event ends their senior years.
In the zeal to protect a select few student-athletes from unscrupulous recruiters -- those select few student-athletes who are often influenced by shoe companies, boosters and other handlers and who would be highly unlikely to be influenced by playing one high school game at a college venue -- we deny the many student athletes the opportunity to step out of the normal high school venue and play a memorable game at an awesome venue. We've essentially locked the door and said "to play here, you must get a scholarship."
That's wrong. Well-intentioned, but still wrong.
The NCAA is denying the opportunity to provide outstanding experiences for the many because of the fear of a few. A memorable day and a great celebration of a conference's basketball teams will instead become another 1/20th of the high school basketball schedule.
It's time for the organization to do the right thing and allow approved "non-scholastic" operators like Compton Strategies, the folks running the Region Roundball Rumble (which was booted from Valpo University) and Super Hoops -- whose Jan. 7 all-day classic at Mackey Arena was also shelved -- to use college venues if they've been properly vetted and are proven to not have ties to the slimier elements of college recruiting, and give student-athletes great experiences while they're still in high school, rather than reserving them for the select few who are talented enough to garner a Div. I scholarship.
Until then, I'd implore the HHC to continue to seek out a legendary high school venue within the conference footprint that would work. The Muncie and New Castle Fieldhouses are both iconic venues which would be a great place to host high school hoops.
Programming note: Because of this event changing and the games likely reverting back to their originally-scheduled campus sites, we will have to make adjustments to our broadcast schedule. We were slated to broadcast the New Palestine vs. Rushville and Mt. Vernon vs. Greenfield-Central games that Saturday, in addition to the Eastern Hancock at Lapel boys game that Friday night and the Mt. Vernon vs. Knightstown boys game that Thursday. Several games -- and game dates -- might change due to his move, and therefore, we will significantly change the broadcast schedule. Please stay logged into here, our Twitter account, our Facebook account or our website for more info.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Saturday wrap: Hoops & wrestling
Boys basketball
New Palestine 64, Franklin Central 63: The Dragons won a see-saw battle against the Flashes with some clutch play at the end of the game.
The Dragons trailed 60-57 when Justin Ikerd hit a 3-pointer to knot the game up in the late stages. Then, Josh Penley got a steal and turned it into a basket to give the Dragons the lead. The Dragons then forced a stop and Michael Morris drained two free throws with 3 seconds left to ice it.
Four Dragons scored in double-figures as they improved to 5-1 on the season. Morris had a 17-point night, hitting 5-of-9 shots and adding nine rebounds and four assists. Ikerd scored 15 points, hitting five 3-pointers and grabbing four rebounds. Penley had 12 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals, while junior guard Solomon Haynes had a season-high 10 points on 3-of-4 shooting, three assists and two steals. Senior Reid Clark added six points, five rebounds and a team-high three steals.
The Dragons rallied from deficits of 20-13 after a quarter and 34-26 at the half, taking the lead by scoring 20 third-quarter points and going ahead 46-44, setting up a see-saw finish.
The Dragons' next game will be Wednesday at Beech Grove. It will be broadcast live by HancockCountySports.com
Mt. Vernon 60, Whiteland 31: The Marauders posted lopsided victories in back-to-back games, beating a Whiteland team that came into the game with a 4-1 record and had just beaten Center Grove.
The Marauders, now 4-2, won their two weekend games by a combined score of 137-79. They will next play Jan. 27 in the Hancock County Tournament, visiting Eastern Hancock at 10 a.m. in the morning session before hosting the championship/consolation games at 6 p.m.
Cambridge City Lincoln 65, Eastern Hancock 54: The Royals trailed 27-22 at halftime, and then saw Cambridge City Lincoln pull away in the second half.
CCL was led by Zac Rea, who nearly had a triple-double with 19 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. Jared Pyle scored in double-figures for the Royals.
The Royals are now 4-3 and play Tuesday at Blue River.
Girls basketball
Eastern Hancock 57, Northeastern 54: Playing less than 24 hours after their hard-fought game against Knightstown, the Royals rallied from a nine-point deficit in the final three minutes to beat Northeastern.
EH trailed 28-20 at halftime after Northeastern scored 23 in the second quarter, but the Royals chipped away, cutting the deficit to 37-33 at the end of three.
The Royals had tremendous balance in scoring, as six players scored between seven and 11 points.
Lauren Harmon led the way for the Royals, scoring 11 points to pace a balanced attack. She hit three 3-pointers and also added six rebounds. Alora Marshall had 10 points, four rebounds and two steals. Skyler Overleese also scored nine points, with Hannah Best adding eight points and four assists. Guard Kiersten Schrope had seven points, seven boards, four assists and two steals. Kaytlin Eastes had seven points and six boards, while Kristen Eischen had five points. Peyton Neisler had five rebounds off the bench.
The Royals are now 7-2 and play Tuesday at home against Cambridge City Lincoln.
New Palestine 65, Yorktown 24: The Dragons jumped ahead 19-2 after a quarter and used a strong defensive effort to pull away. The Dragons got a lot of production from throughout their lineup.
Tori Stephenson led the way with three 3-pointers and 15 points to go along with eight steals, hitting a pair of triples in the second quarter to help the Dragons open up a 37-9 halftime lead. NP's defense held Yorktown to two points in the third, with the Dragons leading 51-11.
Lauren Tieman added 12 points and eight rebounds. Bethany Murrell scored 12 points -- all early -- and added a strong all-around game with 12 points, nine assists, six rebounds, four steals and four blocked shots. Taylor Espich had a career-high 10 points, four assists and three steals, making her first career start.
Emily Curry and Abby Seifert each scored seven points. Seifert also added eight rebounds and four steals.
The Dragons' defense forced 20 steals and 30 turnovers, leading to 38 Dragon points.
The Dragons' next game will be against Greenfield-Central in the Hancock County Tournament on Dec. 27.
Wrestling
New Palestine wins Dragon 5-way: The Dragons won a thrilling 34-33 decision over Greenfield-Central to take the New Palestine 5-way duals Saturday afternoon.
The Dragons also beat Mt. Vernon 84-0, Union County 60-15 and Triton Central 66-6 en route to the victory. The Dragons are now 18-1 on the season in dual matches.
Greenfield-Central is now 12-3. The Cougars beat Mt. Vernon 82-0, Union County 60-14 and Triton Central 58-15.
For New Palestine, Willie Bryan (285), Tommy Cash (106), Taylor Fee (120), Gordon Wagner (126), Billy Emmons (113), Nick Ulrey (145) and Connor Robinson (160) all won their matches against G-C in their dual meet, with Bryan, Cash and Robinson all winning by fall and Emmons taking a forfeit. Fee won a major decision wrestling up a weight class.
Bryan, Cash, Fee, Ulrey and Robinson were all 5-0 on the day. In addition, Rylan McCarty was 3-0 at 120. Gordon Wagner, Brian Wagner, Cameron Denney, Matt Roembke and Robbie Elsea all went 3-1, with Wagner wrestling the match of the day, taking two-time state champion Cody Phillips of Union County the distance before falling 9-6. Ulrey and G-C's Josh Farrell -- also a state-ranked wrestler -- had a down-to-the-wire match that wasn't decided until the final takedown in the closing seconds.
Greenfield-Central's Kyle Wilburn, Ian Early, Farrell, Austin Rose and Dezmen McGinley all went 4-0 on the day.
Mt. Vernon went 0-4 as a team.
Swimming
Greenfield-Central's boys finished fourth in the Hamilton Southeastern invitational, with two school records being set. Jon McCormick set a record finishing fifth in the 100 breaststroke at 1:02.33. The 400 free relay of Patrick Stutz, Wilburn, Wilburn and James Young finished fourht and set a record in 3:21.28. Other top-8 finishers were Young (4th 100 fly, 8th 200 free), Stutz (2nd 50 free, 6th 100 free), McCormick (4th, 200 IM0 and the 200 free relay of Stutz, Wilburn, Young and Wilburn, which finished 2nd. The 200 medley relay was seventh.
G-C's girls finished eighth. Carly Fernandes was fifth in the 100 backstroke and seventh in the 200 IM.
New Palestine 64, Franklin Central 63: The Dragons won a see-saw battle against the Flashes with some clutch play at the end of the game.
The Dragons trailed 60-57 when Justin Ikerd hit a 3-pointer to knot the game up in the late stages. Then, Josh Penley got a steal and turned it into a basket to give the Dragons the lead. The Dragons then forced a stop and Michael Morris drained two free throws with 3 seconds left to ice it.
Four Dragons scored in double-figures as they improved to 5-1 on the season. Morris had a 17-point night, hitting 5-of-9 shots and adding nine rebounds and four assists. Ikerd scored 15 points, hitting five 3-pointers and grabbing four rebounds. Penley had 12 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals, while junior guard Solomon Haynes had a season-high 10 points on 3-of-4 shooting, three assists and two steals. Senior Reid Clark added six points, five rebounds and a team-high three steals.
The Dragons rallied from deficits of 20-13 after a quarter and 34-26 at the half, taking the lead by scoring 20 third-quarter points and going ahead 46-44, setting up a see-saw finish.
The Dragons' next game will be Wednesday at Beech Grove. It will be broadcast live by HancockCountySports.com
Mt. Vernon 60, Whiteland 31: The Marauders posted lopsided victories in back-to-back games, beating a Whiteland team that came into the game with a 4-1 record and had just beaten Center Grove.
The Marauders, now 4-2, won their two weekend games by a combined score of 137-79. They will next play Jan. 27 in the Hancock County Tournament, visiting Eastern Hancock at 10 a.m. in the morning session before hosting the championship/consolation games at 6 p.m.
Cambridge City Lincoln 65, Eastern Hancock 54: The Royals trailed 27-22 at halftime, and then saw Cambridge City Lincoln pull away in the second half.
CCL was led by Zac Rea, who nearly had a triple-double with 19 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. Jared Pyle scored in double-figures for the Royals.
The Royals are now 4-3 and play Tuesday at Blue River.
Girls basketball
Eastern Hancock 57, Northeastern 54: Playing less than 24 hours after their hard-fought game against Knightstown, the Royals rallied from a nine-point deficit in the final three minutes to beat Northeastern.
EH trailed 28-20 at halftime after Northeastern scored 23 in the second quarter, but the Royals chipped away, cutting the deficit to 37-33 at the end of three.
The Royals had tremendous balance in scoring, as six players scored between seven and 11 points.
Lauren Harmon led the way for the Royals, scoring 11 points to pace a balanced attack. She hit three 3-pointers and also added six rebounds. Alora Marshall had 10 points, four rebounds and two steals. Skyler Overleese also scored nine points, with Hannah Best adding eight points and four assists. Guard Kiersten Schrope had seven points, seven boards, four assists and two steals. Kaytlin Eastes had seven points and six boards, while Kristen Eischen had five points. Peyton Neisler had five rebounds off the bench.
The Royals are now 7-2 and play Tuesday at home against Cambridge City Lincoln.
New Palestine 65, Yorktown 24: The Dragons jumped ahead 19-2 after a quarter and used a strong defensive effort to pull away. The Dragons got a lot of production from throughout their lineup.
Tori Stephenson led the way with three 3-pointers and 15 points to go along with eight steals, hitting a pair of triples in the second quarter to help the Dragons open up a 37-9 halftime lead. NP's defense held Yorktown to two points in the third, with the Dragons leading 51-11.
Lauren Tieman added 12 points and eight rebounds. Bethany Murrell scored 12 points -- all early -- and added a strong all-around game with 12 points, nine assists, six rebounds, four steals and four blocked shots. Taylor Espich had a career-high 10 points, four assists and three steals, making her first career start.
Emily Curry and Abby Seifert each scored seven points. Seifert also added eight rebounds and four steals.
The Dragons' defense forced 20 steals and 30 turnovers, leading to 38 Dragon points.
The Dragons' next game will be against Greenfield-Central in the Hancock County Tournament on Dec. 27.
Wrestling
New Palestine wins Dragon 5-way: The Dragons won a thrilling 34-33 decision over Greenfield-Central to take the New Palestine 5-way duals Saturday afternoon.
The Dragons also beat Mt. Vernon 84-0, Union County 60-15 and Triton Central 66-6 en route to the victory. The Dragons are now 18-1 on the season in dual matches.
Greenfield-Central is now 12-3. The Cougars beat Mt. Vernon 82-0, Union County 60-14 and Triton Central 58-15.
For New Palestine, Willie Bryan (285), Tommy Cash (106), Taylor Fee (120), Gordon Wagner (126), Billy Emmons (113), Nick Ulrey (145) and Connor Robinson (160) all won their matches against G-C in their dual meet, with Bryan, Cash and Robinson all winning by fall and Emmons taking a forfeit. Fee won a major decision wrestling up a weight class.
Bryan, Cash, Fee, Ulrey and Robinson were all 5-0 on the day. In addition, Rylan McCarty was 3-0 at 120. Gordon Wagner, Brian Wagner, Cameron Denney, Matt Roembke and Robbie Elsea all went 3-1, with Wagner wrestling the match of the day, taking two-time state champion Cody Phillips of Union County the distance before falling 9-6. Ulrey and G-C's Josh Farrell -- also a state-ranked wrestler -- had a down-to-the-wire match that wasn't decided until the final takedown in the closing seconds.
Greenfield-Central's Kyle Wilburn, Ian Early, Farrell, Austin Rose and Dezmen McGinley all went 4-0 on the day.
Mt. Vernon went 0-4 as a team.
Swimming
Greenfield-Central's boys finished fourth in the Hamilton Southeastern invitational, with two school records being set. Jon McCormick set a record finishing fifth in the 100 breaststroke at 1:02.33. The 400 free relay of Patrick Stutz, Wilburn, Wilburn and James Young finished fourht and set a record in 3:21.28. Other top-8 finishers were Young (4th 100 fly, 8th 200 free), Stutz (2nd 50 free, 6th 100 free), McCormick (4th, 200 IM0 and the 200 free relay of Stutz, Wilburn, Young and Wilburn, which finished 2nd. The 200 medley relay was seventh.
G-C's girls finished eighth. Carly Fernandes was fifth in the 100 backstroke and seventh in the 200 IM.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Friday wrap: Heading toward county
All four Hancock County boys teams -- and one of the girls teams -- were in action at home tonight, with several big performances throughout.
Eastern Hancock 56, Knightstown 51: The Royals took an early lead and never looked back in a five-point victory. EH led by four points at the end of the first quarter and never trailed in the game. Knightstown kept within striking distance, but EH's lead was often between 3-8 points much of the night.
The game was a coming-out party for EH's Cody Clark, who had 17 points and eight rebounds and commanded the paint inside. The Royals' Jared Pyle also had a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, including 10 in the second quarter as the Royals opened up an eight-point lead -- one that would be whittled to four at halftime, but would be pushed back up to nine by the end of the third. Victor Vincz would hit four late free throws to help seal the victory, among his nine points.
Clay Ratliff led three Panthers in double-figures with 16 points. Freshman point guard Jake Kwisz had 13 for Knightstown.
EH (4-2) is back in action Saturday night at Cambridge City Lincoln, and then again Tuesday at Blue River. Knightstown is now 1-5.
New Palestine 73, Morristown 61: The Dragons used a big second quarter to build a 31-19 halftime lead and pull away, using three double-figure performances.
Dragon forward Michael Morris -- their leading scorer on the year -- had a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. He hit 7-of-9 shots from the floor and was a perfect 5-of-5 from the line. Justin Ikerd had his second straight double-figure game with 18 points, hitting four 3-pointers. Josh Penley had 17 points and three assists, while Reid Clark added eight points and five boards. Solomon Haynes added seven assists and six rebounds.
The Dragons shot 50 percent from the floor and won despite a 30-point effort by Morristown's Dylan Langkabel.
NP is now 4-1, and will be back in action Saturday night at Franklin Central. The Dragons then will travel to Beech Grove Wednesday evening, for a game we will broadcast on HancockCountySports.com.
Mt. Vernon 77, Shelbyville 38: The Marauders led 51-12 at the half and extended the lead into the second half. C.J. Coleman led MV with 20 points in the victory, which gave the Marauders a 3-2 record on the year and a 1-1 HHC mark.
The Marauders next play in the county tournament Dec. 27. They will visit Eastern Hancock in the morning semifinals, and then host the championship/consolation round that evening.
Yorktown 84, Greenfield-Central 31: The Tigers built a big lead and handed the Cougars their seventh straight loss. G-C is now also 0-2 in HHC play. The Cougars' next game will be Dec. 27 in the Hancock County Tournament semifinal round at New Palestine.
Jordan Keener led G-C with 12 points. Cole Olesky added six points. Two Tigers scored 17 points to lead Yorktown.
The county championship games from Mt. Vernon that evening will be broadcast live at HancockCountySports.com
GIRLS
Knightstown 46, Eastern Hancock 39: Knightstown was able to pull away from a close game late and hand the Royals their second loss of the year in eight games.
The game was a see-saw contest early, but Knightstown took the lead for good in the second quarter, feeding sophomore post player Emily Thomas. She finished with 14 points, scoring 10 in the middle quarters.
EH was led by Kristen Eischen and Hannah Best, who each scored 11 points. Best hit two 3-pointers to help lead a Royal comeback. EH tried to rally from a late 11-point deficit, led by Best's second 3 of the game, but the Panthers were able to hold on. Eischen had 10 rebounds to complete a double-double. Kaytlin Eastes had seven rebounds and five blocked shots, and Kiersten Schrope had six steals for the Royals.
EH is now 6-2 on the year. Knightstown is 6-3. The Royals next play Saturday afternoon at Northeastern.
Eastern Hancock 56, Knightstown 51: The Royals took an early lead and never looked back in a five-point victory. EH led by four points at the end of the first quarter and never trailed in the game. Knightstown kept within striking distance, but EH's lead was often between 3-8 points much of the night.
The game was a coming-out party for EH's Cody Clark, who had 17 points and eight rebounds and commanded the paint inside. The Royals' Jared Pyle also had a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, including 10 in the second quarter as the Royals opened up an eight-point lead -- one that would be whittled to four at halftime, but would be pushed back up to nine by the end of the third. Victor Vincz would hit four late free throws to help seal the victory, among his nine points.
Clay Ratliff led three Panthers in double-figures with 16 points. Freshman point guard Jake Kwisz had 13 for Knightstown.
EH (4-2) is back in action Saturday night at Cambridge City Lincoln, and then again Tuesday at Blue River. Knightstown is now 1-5.
New Palestine 73, Morristown 61: The Dragons used a big second quarter to build a 31-19 halftime lead and pull away, using three double-figure performances.
Dragon forward Michael Morris -- their leading scorer on the year -- had a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. He hit 7-of-9 shots from the floor and was a perfect 5-of-5 from the line. Justin Ikerd had his second straight double-figure game with 18 points, hitting four 3-pointers. Josh Penley had 17 points and three assists, while Reid Clark added eight points and five boards. Solomon Haynes added seven assists and six rebounds.
The Dragons shot 50 percent from the floor and won despite a 30-point effort by Morristown's Dylan Langkabel.
NP is now 4-1, and will be back in action Saturday night at Franklin Central. The Dragons then will travel to Beech Grove Wednesday evening, for a game we will broadcast on HancockCountySports.com.
Mt. Vernon 77, Shelbyville 38: The Marauders led 51-12 at the half and extended the lead into the second half. C.J. Coleman led MV with 20 points in the victory, which gave the Marauders a 3-2 record on the year and a 1-1 HHC mark.
The Marauders next play in the county tournament Dec. 27. They will visit Eastern Hancock in the morning semifinals, and then host the championship/consolation round that evening.
Yorktown 84, Greenfield-Central 31: The Tigers built a big lead and handed the Cougars their seventh straight loss. G-C is now also 0-2 in HHC play. The Cougars' next game will be Dec. 27 in the Hancock County Tournament semifinal round at New Palestine.
Jordan Keener led G-C with 12 points. Cole Olesky added six points. Two Tigers scored 17 points to lead Yorktown.
The county championship games from Mt. Vernon that evening will be broadcast live at HancockCountySports.com
GIRLS
Knightstown 46, Eastern Hancock 39: Knightstown was able to pull away from a close game late and hand the Royals their second loss of the year in eight games.
The game was a see-saw contest early, but Knightstown took the lead for good in the second quarter, feeding sophomore post player Emily Thomas. She finished with 14 points, scoring 10 in the middle quarters.
EH was led by Kristen Eischen and Hannah Best, who each scored 11 points. Best hit two 3-pointers to help lead a Royal comeback. EH tried to rally from a late 11-point deficit, led by Best's second 3 of the game, but the Panthers were able to hold on. Eischen had 10 rebounds to complete a double-double. Kaytlin Eastes had seven rebounds and five blocked shots, and Kiersten Schrope had six steals for the Royals.
EH is now 6-2 on the year. Knightstown is 6-3. The Royals next play Saturday afternoon at Northeastern.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Basketball weekend
Lots of basketball this weekend starts tonight, with a BIG girls game between New Palestine and 3A No. 3 Mt. Vernon.
The Dragons are 3-5 against a top-25 schedule, but could easily be 7-1 as four of their losses have been in down-to-the-wire games. The Marauders are 6-2, with both defeats to 4A programs having strong years. The game features four players who will be playing at the next level next year -- MV's Makenzi Reasor (Indiana State) and Jessica Brown (Indiana Wesleyan) along with NP's Bethany Murrell (Florida Gulf Coast) and Tori Stephenson (Danville Area CC).
The game also features two of the area's top rebounders in NP's Lauren Tieman and Abby Seifert -- the latter of which is averaging more than 10 rebounds per game -- and MV's Reasor and Anna Olson. Both teams are senior-laden, and this could be the final meeting for these teams as currently constituted.
The other big key is the HHC race. MV can take a full-game lead on the conference going into the Christmas break with games remaining against Delta, Greenfield-Central and Shelbyville. Should the Dragons win, it would forge a 4-way tie at the top of the conference, with tonight's two participants, G-C and Pendleton Heights -- who are both 3-1 in league play.
You can listen to the game live tonight with Chris Lambert and Greg Elkins on HancockCountySports.com. Direct listen live link here.
Knightstown at Eastern Hancock: More hoops on Friday, with the Royals and Panthers facing off in a doubleheader. First, let's look at the boys. EH is 3-2, and is two baskets away from being a perfect 5-0 on the year. Knightstown is 1-4, as both teams are retooling a bit after graduating strong senior classes last season. Victor Vincz had 27 points in EH's 68-53 victory over Sheridan on Saturday. He and Jared Pyle lead EH in scoring. Knightstown has a young team led by Clay Ratliff, who is nearly averaging a double-double.
On the girls side, EH is 6-1, enjoying its best start in years, led by sophomore guard Kiersten Schrope, who has scored, rebounded and handled the ball for the Royals. Sophomore Kristen Eischen does a lot of the work up front. But Knightstown poses a tough test. The Panthers are experienced, with four players averaging between 9-11 points per game, and they are coming off a victory over New Castle last week. Knightstown is 5-3.
Listen to both games starting at 5:40 p.m. Friday at HancockCountySports.com
Other games
Friday boys
Morristown at New Palestine, 7:30: Another installment in Hancock County's longest-running basketball series -- the two teams have played each other annually since at least the 1940s, and likely longer. The Dragons have dominated the series recently, and have a deep, senior-laden team that's 3-1 on the year. Morristown does feature one of the state's top scorers in Dylan Langkabel, who is headed to Northwood University in Michigan to play next year. Expect a good matchup.
Shelbyville at Mt. Vernon, 7:30: The Marauders are 2-2, but are ranked No. 2 in Class 3A by the Sagarin ratings. MV has played four tough opponents so far, so the winless Golden Bears (0-4) could be a good opportunity for the Marauders to get a lift going into the county tournament. Our friends at WSVX (www.wsvx.com) will broadcast the game.
Yorktown at Greenfield-Central, 7:30: Yorktown is 1-0 in HHC play and 2-2 overall since Greg Miller returned to the head coaching reins. The Tigers have been building for some time. The Cougars are 0-6 on the year and have struggled to score points, but have done so against a brutally-difficult schedule and with a very young, sophomore-laden team. Our friends at WRGF-89.7 will broadcast.
Saturday boys
Eastern Hancock at Cambridge City Lincoln, 7:30: This game could be a good matchup, as the Golden Eagles are experienced and playing at home. CCL is 2-2 on the year under coach Rodney Klein.
New Palestine at Franklin Central, 7:30: The Dragons and Flashes resume their series after a long hiatus. And it happens without legendary FC coach Mark James on the sidelines, as he took his boots to Ben Davis. The Flashes are 3-2 under new coach John Rockey, and are coming off big wins over Columbus North and Fishers. This could be a preview of the Center Grove sectional. A student broadcast is available at WRFT-91.5.
Saturday girls
Eastern Hancock at Northeastern, 1:30: The Royals will have a quick turnaround, playing Saturday afternoon after a Friday-night game, which will be good prep for the county tournament. Northeastern comes in with a 2-7 record.
New Palestine at Yorktown, 7:30: The Dragons go on the road for the first time since before Thanksgiving with their final conference matchup before the county tournament. Yorktown graduated the bulk of a core that had been together for four years and is starting over with new coach Lendon Schwartz. The Tigers are 4-4, but are 0-2 in HHC play so far.
The Dragons are 3-5 against a top-25 schedule, but could easily be 7-1 as four of their losses have been in down-to-the-wire games. The Marauders are 6-2, with both defeats to 4A programs having strong years. The game features four players who will be playing at the next level next year -- MV's Makenzi Reasor (Indiana State) and Jessica Brown (Indiana Wesleyan) along with NP's Bethany Murrell (Florida Gulf Coast) and Tori Stephenson (Danville Area CC).
The game also features two of the area's top rebounders in NP's Lauren Tieman and Abby Seifert -- the latter of which is averaging more than 10 rebounds per game -- and MV's Reasor and Anna Olson. Both teams are senior-laden, and this could be the final meeting for these teams as currently constituted.
The other big key is the HHC race. MV can take a full-game lead on the conference going into the Christmas break with games remaining against Delta, Greenfield-Central and Shelbyville. Should the Dragons win, it would forge a 4-way tie at the top of the conference, with tonight's two participants, G-C and Pendleton Heights -- who are both 3-1 in league play.
You can listen to the game live tonight with Chris Lambert and Greg Elkins on HancockCountySports.com. Direct listen live link here.
Knightstown at Eastern Hancock: More hoops on Friday, with the Royals and Panthers facing off in a doubleheader. First, let's look at the boys. EH is 3-2, and is two baskets away from being a perfect 5-0 on the year. Knightstown is 1-4, as both teams are retooling a bit after graduating strong senior classes last season. Victor Vincz had 27 points in EH's 68-53 victory over Sheridan on Saturday. He and Jared Pyle lead EH in scoring. Knightstown has a young team led by Clay Ratliff, who is nearly averaging a double-double.
On the girls side, EH is 6-1, enjoying its best start in years, led by sophomore guard Kiersten Schrope, who has scored, rebounded and handled the ball for the Royals. Sophomore Kristen Eischen does a lot of the work up front. But Knightstown poses a tough test. The Panthers are experienced, with four players averaging between 9-11 points per game, and they are coming off a victory over New Castle last week. Knightstown is 5-3.
Listen to both games starting at 5:40 p.m. Friday at HancockCountySports.com
Other games
Friday boys
Morristown at New Palestine, 7:30: Another installment in Hancock County's longest-running basketball series -- the two teams have played each other annually since at least the 1940s, and likely longer. The Dragons have dominated the series recently, and have a deep, senior-laden team that's 3-1 on the year. Morristown does feature one of the state's top scorers in Dylan Langkabel, who is headed to Northwood University in Michigan to play next year. Expect a good matchup.
Shelbyville at Mt. Vernon, 7:30: The Marauders are 2-2, but are ranked No. 2 in Class 3A by the Sagarin ratings. MV has played four tough opponents so far, so the winless Golden Bears (0-4) could be a good opportunity for the Marauders to get a lift going into the county tournament. Our friends at WSVX (www.wsvx.com) will broadcast the game.
Yorktown at Greenfield-Central, 7:30: Yorktown is 1-0 in HHC play and 2-2 overall since Greg Miller returned to the head coaching reins. The Tigers have been building for some time. The Cougars are 0-6 on the year and have struggled to score points, but have done so against a brutally-difficult schedule and with a very young, sophomore-laden team. Our friends at WRGF-89.7 will broadcast.
Saturday boys
Eastern Hancock at Cambridge City Lincoln, 7:30: This game could be a good matchup, as the Golden Eagles are experienced and playing at home. CCL is 2-2 on the year under coach Rodney Klein.
New Palestine at Franklin Central, 7:30: The Dragons and Flashes resume their series after a long hiatus. And it happens without legendary FC coach Mark James on the sidelines, as he took his boots to Ben Davis. The Flashes are 3-2 under new coach John Rockey, and are coming off big wins over Columbus North and Fishers. This could be a preview of the Center Grove sectional. A student broadcast is available at WRFT-91.5.
Saturday girls
Eastern Hancock at Northeastern, 1:30: The Royals will have a quick turnaround, playing Saturday afternoon after a Friday-night game, which will be good prep for the county tournament. Northeastern comes in with a 2-7 record.
New Palestine at Yorktown, 7:30: The Dragons go on the road for the first time since before Thanksgiving with their final conference matchup before the county tournament. Yorktown graduated the bulk of a core that had been together for four years and is starting over with new coach Lendon Schwartz. The Tigers are 4-4, but are 0-2 in HHC play so far.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Saturday roundup: MV girls win big
Mt. Vernon's girls basketball team had a resounding 64-24 victory over Yorktown at home Saturday afternoon.
The Marauders led 20-3 after a quarter, 39-5 at the half and 51-11 after three quarters of the victory.
MV was led by Jessica Brown's 18 points. Makenzi Reasor and Rachel Houck added 12 each for the Marauders. Anna Olson scored eight. Mikaela Whitinger led the Tigers with seven points.
Brown is now five points away from reaching the 1,000-point mark for her career.
MV is now 6-2 and is 3-0 in Hoosier Heritage Conference play -- the lone unbeaten remaining in the HHC standings. Yorktown is 3-4 and 0-2 in HHC play. The Marauders next play Thursday at New Palestine. You can listen to the game LIVE at HancockCountySports.com!
The Marauders led 20-3 after a quarter, 39-5 at the half and 51-11 after three quarters of the victory.
MV was led by Jessica Brown's 18 points. Makenzi Reasor and Rachel Houck added 12 each for the Marauders. Anna Olson scored eight. Mikaela Whitinger led the Tigers with seven points.
Brown is now five points away from reaching the 1,000-point mark for her career.
MV is now 6-2 and is 3-0 in Hoosier Heritage Conference play -- the lone unbeaten remaining in the HHC standings. Yorktown is 3-4 and 0-2 in HHC play. The Marauders next play Thursday at New Palestine. You can listen to the game LIVE at HancockCountySports.com!
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Saturday morning QB: It's Dragons vs. Arabians
We have the matchup many have been expecting: Undefeated and No. 1 New Palestine facing once-beaten and No. 5 Pendleton Heights for a sectional championship.
Their game back on Sept. 2 -- which the Dragons won 34-21 -- was essentially for the HHC title. But both teams have been playing well since, and both had strong victories last night.
Kickoff next Friday at Kelso Stadium is 7 p.m. Our HancockCountySports.com broadcast will commence at 6:30 with the pregame show.
Let's look back at last night's games:
New Palestine 27, Delta 14: Delta jumped ahead 14-0, but NP's Connor Simmons threw four touchdown passes -- three to Josh Penley and a thrilling 71-yard pass to Tyler Walden -- to lead the Dragons back. Simmons threw for 235 yards and Austin Monday had 76 rushing yards in the second half as the Dragons ground out the clock. Walden also had a big 33-yard catch to set up an 11-yard TD pass to Penley that helped draw the Dragons within one early in the second. NP's defense also forced two key turnovers and stopped Delta on downs four times in Dragon territory to hold the Eagles off the board for the final three quarters. A more full recap is available deeper in the blog. NP is now 11-0 -- its best start to a season in school history. Delta finishes 5-6.
Archived broadcast | Daily Reporter | Muncie Star-Press
Pendleton Heights 45, Greenfield-Central 14: G-C scored early as Derek Conley ran the opening kickoff deep into Arabian territory and set up a short TD by Matt Dickerson, but PH scored 45 consecutive points, building a 31-7 lead at hafltime to pull away at Arabian Stadium. PH's Mitch Patishall threw for 215 yards and two TDs. WR Austin Coffel had a 100-yard receiving game. Jon Furrow (125 yards) and Jacob Lyons (91 yards) both carried the ground game for PH, and both scored two touchdowns. PH is now 10-1 heading into Kelso Stadium next week. G-C finishes 6-5, its second straight winning season. It's the first time G-C has accomplished that feat in 36 years.
Daily Reporter | Anderson Herald-Bulletin
In Class 3A
Bellmont 22, Yorktown 7: A week after upsetting No. 2 Eastbrook, the Tigers fell against a solid Bellmont team that -- like Yorktown -- spent much of its season playing bigger schools. Yorktown's Joe Todd threw for 181 yards, but the Tigers had four turnovers and surrendered eight sacks in the defeat.
Muncie Star-Press | Decatur Daily Democrat
Looking ahead
Next week:
Pendleton Heights at New Palestine, 7 p.m.
Regional
The winner plays the Sectional 14 champion of either Greenwood (8-3) at Cathedral (8-3) in the regional. If New Palestine plays Cathedral, the game will be at Kelso Stadium. If Pendleton Heights wins, it will host the regional regardless of opponent.
Semistate
The Sectional 15 and 16 title games:
Franklin County (9-2) at Columbus East (10-1)
Jasper (7-3) at Evansville Central (6-5)
(The semistate host is the regional non-host or the "higher-numbered" regional if there is a tie -- e.g., it is likely that the PH/NP/Greenwood/Cathedral regional winner would be on the road in the semistate).
Their game back on Sept. 2 -- which the Dragons won 34-21 -- was essentially for the HHC title. But both teams have been playing well since, and both had strong victories last night.
Kickoff next Friday at Kelso Stadium is 7 p.m. Our HancockCountySports.com broadcast will commence at 6:30 with the pregame show.
Let's look back at last night's games:
New Palestine 27, Delta 14: Delta jumped ahead 14-0, but NP's Connor Simmons threw four touchdown passes -- three to Josh Penley and a thrilling 71-yard pass to Tyler Walden -- to lead the Dragons back. Simmons threw for 235 yards and Austin Monday had 76 rushing yards in the second half as the Dragons ground out the clock. Walden also had a big 33-yard catch to set up an 11-yard TD pass to Penley that helped draw the Dragons within one early in the second. NP's defense also forced two key turnovers and stopped Delta on downs four times in Dragon territory to hold the Eagles off the board for the final three quarters. A more full recap is available deeper in the blog. NP is now 11-0 -- its best start to a season in school history. Delta finishes 5-6.
Archived broadcast | Daily Reporter | Muncie Star-Press
Pendleton Heights 45, Greenfield-Central 14: G-C scored early as Derek Conley ran the opening kickoff deep into Arabian territory and set up a short TD by Matt Dickerson, but PH scored 45 consecutive points, building a 31-7 lead at hafltime to pull away at Arabian Stadium. PH's Mitch Patishall threw for 215 yards and two TDs. WR Austin Coffel had a 100-yard receiving game. Jon Furrow (125 yards) and Jacob Lyons (91 yards) both carried the ground game for PH, and both scored two touchdowns. PH is now 10-1 heading into Kelso Stadium next week. G-C finishes 6-5, its second straight winning season. It's the first time G-C has accomplished that feat in 36 years.
Daily Reporter | Anderson Herald-Bulletin
In Class 3A
Bellmont 22, Yorktown 7: A week after upsetting No. 2 Eastbrook, the Tigers fell against a solid Bellmont team that -- like Yorktown -- spent much of its season playing bigger schools. Yorktown's Joe Todd threw for 181 yards, but the Tigers had four turnovers and surrendered eight sacks in the defeat.
Muncie Star-Press | Decatur Daily Democrat
Looking ahead
Next week:
Pendleton Heights at New Palestine, 7 p.m.
Regional
The winner plays the Sectional 14 champion of either Greenwood (8-3) at Cathedral (8-3) in the regional. If New Palestine plays Cathedral, the game will be at Kelso Stadium. If Pendleton Heights wins, it will host the regional regardless of opponent.
Semistate
The Sectional 15 and 16 title games:
Franklin County (9-2) at Columbus East (10-1)
Jasper (7-3) at Evansville Central (6-5)
(The semistate host is the regional non-host or the "higher-numbered" regional if there is a tie -- e.g., it is likely that the PH/NP/Greenwood/Cathedral regional winner would be on the road in the semistate).
All-HHC soccer
A number of Hancock County athletes were named to the All-Hoosier Heritage Conference soccer teams this week. Greenfield-Central's Jared Manning and New Palestine's Dana Merrick were their respective coaches of the year. Manning led G-C to a co-championship with New Palestine on the boys side, and then led the Cougars to the regional final. In his 26th and final year as a head coach, Merrick led the New Palestine girls to a 17-1-3 record, a sixth consecutive sectional title and an undefeated, unscored-upon run through the conference.
G-C and NP each had five boys on the team, while MV had three. G-C and MV had four girls, NP had six. Here's the full All-HHC list:
Boys
Coach of the Year: Jared Manning, G-C
Greenfield-Central: Collin Kleckner, Adam Koers, Brent Poling, Zach Shoufler, Jeremiah Spencer
Mt. Vernon: Eric Ahonen, Luke Fimreite, Mouhamed Konate
New Palestine: Bryson Basaran, John Ernster, Ty Fidler, Wes Fox, Daniel Wright
Pendleton Heights: Clayton Organ, Josiah Furrow, Nathan Petry
Rushville: Clayton Foster, Lucas Beavers
Shelbyville: Mitch Brown, Andres Sandoval
Yorktown: Spencer Devoe, Nour Elsheikh, Larry Green
Girls
Coach of the Year: Dana Merrick, NP
Delta: Kasin Spay
Greenfield-Central: Emily Keors, Emma Morgan, Katie Peters, Taylor Titus
Mt. Vernon: Suzy DeWael, Courtney Hannemann, Holly Owens, Kristina Voltz
New Palestine: Jordan Barton, Holly Hilton, Lauren Joray, Lauren Kehrt, Lindsay Meyer, Kalli Shepler-Tucker
Pendleton Heights: Katie Hughes, Erica Manchess, Jamie McCrocklin, Meghan Wiles
Rushville: Mariah Fenimore, Nici Martin
Shelbyville: Jordan Tinker
Yorktown: Abby Mansker
Friday, October 28, 2011
It's Dragons vs. Arabians for the title
Coming into the sectional, most observers -- including us -- would've forecast a matchup between New Palestine and Pendleton Heights for the championship.
That's exactly what will be happening next Friday night.
#5 Pendleton Heights (10-1) will visit #1 New Palestine (11-0) for a 7 p.m. kickoff. Our HancockCountySports.com broadcast will begin at 6:30.
You can listen to our archived broadcast of New Palestine's 27-14 victory over Delta in a great matchup on the Eagles' turf. Delta jumped ahead early 14-0 when Ozzie Mann orchestrated a 62-yard drive after the opening kickoff, which Landon Lambert capped off with a 4-yard run. After a fumble two plays later, Mann carried in from 5 yards out after a short drive, giving Delta a 14-0 lead with four minutes left in the opening quarter.
Things didn't seem to be going well for the Dragons -- trailing by two scores, they faced third-and-15 from their own 29, and QB Connor Simmons was under heavy duress. He managed to escape a sack, roll out to the left and find sophomore Tyler Walden wide open at the 50. Walden caught the ball and dashed all the way across the field -- picking up blockers along the way -- before spinning across the pylon and into the end zone.
That play got the Dragons going. On the next drive, Simmons hit Walden for a 33-yard gain to the 11, which set up a TD pass to Josh Penley that cut the Delta lead to one after a blocked extra point early in the second.
Simmons-to-Penley would be a familiar refrain. They connected three times for 55 yards -- and all three were for TDs. The second came after a fumble recovered at midfield with 1:15 left in the half. The Dragons needed just 52 seconds for Simmons and Penley to connect from 20 yards out to make it a 20-14 game. NP scored on the first drive of the second half -- using Austin Monday to set up a 24-yard TD pass to Penley.
Simmons completed 12-of-23 for 235 yards and four TDs. He broke several school records tonight -- becoming the first Dragon to reach 3,000 passing yards for his career (he's now at 3,014) -- and passed Mark Shepler's 24-year-old career TD pass record of 35, with his 38th TD pass tonight.
Monday had a big second half -- he finished with 86 yards on 19 carries -- including 76 yards on 15 touches in the second half. The Dragons came out wanting to establish the running game in the second half and shortened the contest -- each team had only three possessions in the half, and the Dragons' defense stopped Delta in NP territory three straight times to preserve a 27-14 lead and turn it into a 27-14 victory.
Meanwhile, Pendleton Heights got there with a convincing 45-14 victory over Greenfield-Central. The Cougars drew first blood -- thanks to a long return by Derek Conley that set up an early TD -- but PH then scored 45 straight points. Mitch Patishall threw for 200+ yards, Jacob Lyons and Jon Furrow had big rushing games again.
So, NP is 11-0. PH is 10-1 -- with the only loss to the Dragons on the same field where they'll play next week. The only loss between either team is NP's 34-21 victory over PH all the way back in Week 3. PH hasn't scored less than 30 points since.
G-C's season completes with a 6-5 record -- the Cougars' second straight winning season. The last time G-C achieved that feat was 1973-75 -- an era that included two state runner-up finishes.
Also in the HHC
We're down to two conference teams, as Yorktown fell to Bellmont tonight on the road 22-7, ending the Tigers' season at 6-5.
That's exactly what will be happening next Friday night.
#5 Pendleton Heights (10-1) will visit #1 New Palestine (11-0) for a 7 p.m. kickoff. Our HancockCountySports.com broadcast will begin at 6:30.
You can listen to our archived broadcast of New Palestine's 27-14 victory over Delta in a great matchup on the Eagles' turf. Delta jumped ahead early 14-0 when Ozzie Mann orchestrated a 62-yard drive after the opening kickoff, which Landon Lambert capped off with a 4-yard run. After a fumble two plays later, Mann carried in from 5 yards out after a short drive, giving Delta a 14-0 lead with four minutes left in the opening quarter.
Things didn't seem to be going well for the Dragons -- trailing by two scores, they faced third-and-15 from their own 29, and QB Connor Simmons was under heavy duress. He managed to escape a sack, roll out to the left and find sophomore Tyler Walden wide open at the 50. Walden caught the ball and dashed all the way across the field -- picking up blockers along the way -- before spinning across the pylon and into the end zone.
That play got the Dragons going. On the next drive, Simmons hit Walden for a 33-yard gain to the 11, which set up a TD pass to Josh Penley that cut the Delta lead to one after a blocked extra point early in the second.
Simmons-to-Penley would be a familiar refrain. They connected three times for 55 yards -- and all three were for TDs. The second came after a fumble recovered at midfield with 1:15 left in the half. The Dragons needed just 52 seconds for Simmons and Penley to connect from 20 yards out to make it a 20-14 game. NP scored on the first drive of the second half -- using Austin Monday to set up a 24-yard TD pass to Penley.
Simmons completed 12-of-23 for 235 yards and four TDs. He broke several school records tonight -- becoming the first Dragon to reach 3,000 passing yards for his career (he's now at 3,014) -- and passed Mark Shepler's 24-year-old career TD pass record of 35, with his 38th TD pass tonight.
Monday had a big second half -- he finished with 86 yards on 19 carries -- including 76 yards on 15 touches in the second half. The Dragons came out wanting to establish the running game in the second half and shortened the contest -- each team had only three possessions in the half, and the Dragons' defense stopped Delta in NP territory three straight times to preserve a 27-14 lead and turn it into a 27-14 victory.
Meanwhile, Pendleton Heights got there with a convincing 45-14 victory over Greenfield-Central. The Cougars drew first blood -- thanks to a long return by Derek Conley that set up an early TD -- but PH then scored 45 straight points. Mitch Patishall threw for 200+ yards, Jacob Lyons and Jon Furrow had big rushing games again.
So, NP is 11-0. PH is 10-1 -- with the only loss to the Dragons on the same field where they'll play next week. The only loss between either team is NP's 34-21 victory over PH all the way back in Week 3. PH hasn't scored less than 30 points since.
G-C's season completes with a 6-5 record -- the Cougars' second straight winning season. The last time G-C achieved that feat was 1973-75 -- an era that included two state runner-up finishes.
Also in the HHC
We're down to two conference teams, as Yorktown fell to Bellmont tonight on the road 22-7, ending the Tigers' season at 6-5.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Gameday: New Palestine vs. Delta & more
It's Game Night. Join the HancockCountySports.com crew for the 2011 sectional semifinal game between New Palestine and Delta. The teams are a combined 16-2 on the field against everyone else (take out the 1-1 record against each other :) ). With the exception of Delta's two league losses this year and games against each other, they've run the table in the HHC for the last three years.
Join Andrew & Mike LIVE! at HancockCountySports.com beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday night. We'll also be keeping you updated on all of the other games going on, including the two other HHC games.
#1 New Palestine (10-0) at Delta (7-3 on the field) (broadcast: www.hancockcountysports.com): This is a GREAT matchup. New Palestine has played really well offensively this season, but the defense has posted back-to-back shutouts. Delta has won four straight thanks to a strong defense and a balanced offense. Tremendous QB matchup between Connor Simmons and Ozzie Mann, and their stable of receivers -- Penley and Collins for NP vs. Greenberg, Robinson and Lambert for Delta. Matt Siergiej's return gives the Dragons a lot of balance in the running game, and they've relied on it a lot the last couple of weeks, while Delta is spreading it out with a couple of freshmen getting a lot of totes. Great coaching matchup between Tim Able & Grant Zgunda and their veteran, experienced assistant coaching staffs. This is going to be a dynamite football game -- it was the first time they played, when NP won 31-20 but had to rally in the fourth quarter to win in Week 4.
Greenfield-Central (6-4) at #5 Pendleton Heights (9-1) (broadcast: WRGF-89.7/WEEM-91.7): PH won 34-3 two weeks ago, but that's an indication of how solid of a football team the defending sectional champs have right now. Jacob Lyons and Jon Furrow gobble up yards on the ground -- both ran for 130+ last week vs. a good Mt. Vernon defense -- and Clint Nicholson is a pretty solid third option. WR Austin Coffel had a huge game vs. MV, but PH's real strength is its defense, which hasn't allowed a touchdown in 3 weeks. That's also G-C's strength -- an athletic secondary led by Matt Dickerson and Derek Conley that complements a heavy blitzing linebacker corps that will try to disrupt PH. G-C has 11 return touchdowns this year -- including three last week against Muncie South -- and special teams could be the X factor again in this one.
Potential sectional final matchups:
New Palestine: home vs. Pendleton Heights; at Greenfield-Central
Delta: on the road regardless of foe
Greenfield-Central: at home regardless of foe
Pendleton Heights: at New Palestine, home vs. Delta
Yorktown (6-4) at Bellmont (4-6) (broadcast: WellsCountyVoice.com or WZBD-Bellmont): The Tigers shocked No. 2 Eastbrook last week with a big game from Brendon Barnes, the speedy back who has been a sleeping giant throughout the HHC. Yorktown's record was deceiving because seven of its nine opponents in the regular season were Class 4A teams, but this team has a lot of talent. The winner gets either Mississinewa or Western next week. Expect the Tigers to be a favorite either way. If the Tigers win, they would be home vs. Western next week or at Mississinewa. Both of those teams enter the semifinal matchup 8-2.
Greenfield-Central (6-4) at #5 Pendleton Heights (9-1) (broadcast: WRGF-89.7/WEEM-91.7): PH won 34-3 two weeks ago, but that's an indication of how solid of a football team the defending sectional champs have right now. Jacob Lyons and Jon Furrow gobble up yards on the ground -- both ran for 130+ last week vs. a good Mt. Vernon defense -- and Clint Nicholson is a pretty solid third option. WR Austin Coffel had a huge game vs. MV, but PH's real strength is its defense, which hasn't allowed a touchdown in 3 weeks. That's also G-C's strength -- an athletic secondary led by Matt Dickerson and Derek Conley that complements a heavy blitzing linebacker corps that will try to disrupt PH. G-C has 11 return touchdowns this year -- including three last week against Muncie South -- and special teams could be the X factor again in this one.
Potential sectional final matchups:
New Palestine: home vs. Pendleton Heights; at Greenfield-Central
Delta: on the road regardless of foe
Greenfield-Central: at home regardless of foe
Pendleton Heights: at New Palestine, home vs. Delta
Yorktown (6-4) at Bellmont (4-6) (broadcast: WellsCountyVoice.com or WZBD-Bellmont): The Tigers shocked No. 2 Eastbrook last week with a big game from Brendon Barnes, the speedy back who has been a sleeping giant throughout the HHC. Yorktown's record was deceiving because seven of its nine opponents in the regular season were Class 4A teams, but this team has a lot of talent. The winner gets either Mississinewa or Western next week. Expect the Tigers to be a favorite either way. If the Tigers win, they would be home vs. Western next week or at Mississinewa. Both of those teams enter the semifinal matchup 8-2.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Saturday morning QB: The HHC Tourney
Sectional 13 has essentially become the Hoosier Heritage Conference tournament, as the top four teams in the league standings are all playing each other -- New Palestine vs. Delta; Greenfield-Central vs. Pendleton Heights. Yorktown pulled a major upset on Friday night in the HHC. Eastern Hancock put together a strong effort before falling to Cambridge City Lincoln. Let's take a look back to last night and a look ahead in our SMQB.
First off, next week:
We will be broadcasting New Palestine at Delta. Join Andrew Smith, Mike Jackson and Chris Lambert for the call at 6:30 p.m. from Delta. As always, go to HancockCountySports.com or click on the broadcast links here. NP is 10-0, Delta is 5-5, but 7-3 on the field. NP won the regular-season meeting 31-20 in Week 4 at Lucas Oil Stadium.
In the other half of the sectional semifinal, Greenfield-Central (6-4) will visit Pendleton Heights (9-1). PH won the regular-season finale 34-3.
4A Sectional 13 (games listed in order of the bracket)
New Palestine 62, Muncie Central 0: Not much more can be said about this one. New Palestine remains unbeaten at 10-0 with a big victory, as the Dragons score 34 points in the first quarter to knock off the Bearcats 62-0. Connor Simmons completed 11-of-17 passes, five for touchdowns. NP's defense produced its third shutout of the year -- its second in a row -- and the Dragons pushed their home winning streak to 16. Josh Penley caught two TD passes. Brandon Wiggins, Chris Walden and Brandon Collins were at the receiving end of others. Matt Siergiej scored twice, Austin Monday and Nolan Hill had TD runs. Muncie Central was held to less than 100 total yards. Muncie Central finished 2-8. The NP victory also clinched an 8-0 record for the HHC against North Central Conference teams this year.
Daily Reporter | Muncie Star-Press
Delta 62, Frankfort 0: Delta and New Palestine posted identical scores on the evening. Delta built a 49-0 halftime lead. At one point, the Eagles (5-5, 7-3 on the field) scored on five consecutive offensive plays. RB Landon Lambert had four TDs and a long interception return in the game. Delta posted its most lopsided victory in 12 years. Frankfort finished 0-10.
Muncie Star-Press
Greenfield-Central 48, Muncie South 22: G-C's special teams were spectacular in the convincing victory. Matt Dickerson blocked a punt and ran it in for a TD, and had both interception and kickoff returns for TDs in the Cougar victory, which gives G-C a 6-4 record and clinches back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since the Cougars' state runner-up team in 1975.Muncie South finished 3-7.
Daily Reporter | Muncie Star-Press
Pendleton Heights 31, Mt. Vernon 7: A strong effort by the Arabians up front allowed them to pull away from MV early. PH scored three TDs and a field goal on its first four drives augmented by big plays. Jacob Lyons' 76-yard TD on the Arabians' second offensive play made it a 7-0. Jon Furrow's 48-yard run on the third offensive play set up Lyons' 1-yard TD run. Clint Nicholson's 44-yard run set up a 19-yard TD pass to Austin Coffel, who had a nice receiving game. Lyons and Furrow both ran for more than 130 yards, Nicholson topped 70, Patishall threw for 117 and the Arabians were strong. MV's highlight was an 87-yard kickoff return by Tyler Dicks, and later, an interception by Dicks to prevent a PH score. Anthony Burnett had 85 yards rushing for the Marauders, who finish the year 5-5 in coach Doug Armstrong's first season. With a lot of their key players back, MV is expecting a big year next year. PH, ranked No. 5 in Class 4A, is 9-1 heading into next week's home game against Greenfield-Central.
Daily Reporter | Anderson Herald-Bulletin | Broadcast archive
Class A, Sectional 37
Cambridge City Lincoln 42, Eastern Hancock 21: EH had tied up the Golden Eagles 14-14 at halftime, but saw a very strong CCL team pull away in the second half. Spencer Gilbert had a big night catching the football, with 135 receiving yards, including a 55-yard TD pass. Logan Gilbert also threw a 59-yard TD pass to Billy Stapleton in the third quarter, but Cambridge City scored twice in the fourth quarter to pull away. Logan Gilbert threw for 232 yards on the day -- 133 to his brother Spencer. But CCL's attack was balanced, gaining more than 200 yards in the air and boasting a 100-yard rusher. EH finishes 3-7, but has made some big strides this season. CCL is now 8-2 and advances to play Northeastern next week.
Daily Reporter | Richmond Palladium-Item
Elsewhere in the HHC
Class 3A, Sectional 19
Yorktown 38, Eastbrook 24: Esatbrook came in undefeated on the field and ranked No. 2 in Class 3A. No more. Yorktown -- battle-tested by a schedule that saw them play seven of their nine games against Class 4A schools -- posted an impressive road victory against the highly-regarded Panthers. Yorktown rallied from a 21-0 first-quarter deficit to win the game. Brendon Barnes had TD runs of 63 and 60 yards in the second half to give the Tigers a 25-24 lead. He also had an 84-yard TD catch to ice it late. QB Joe Todd also threw a short TD to Jason Brown on fourth down to make it 31-24. Barnes had 264 rushing yards on the night and more than 300 from scrimmage. The Tigers (6-4) will face Blackford next week.
Muncie Star-Press
Class 3A, Sectional 22
Brown County 15, Rushville 8: The Lions held an 8-7 lead much of the night, but saw BC rally in the fourth quarter with a late TD to win it. Rushville finishes 2-8.
Class 4A, Sectional 15
Columbus East 49, Shelbyville 21: While Gunnar Kiel didn't play, it didn't slow the Olympians in the evening. Sophomore Alex Cowan threw for two TDs and running back Andrew Wilson had two long touchdown runs for the Olympians, who are ranked No. 3 in Class 4A. Shelbyville finishes the year 1-9.
Shelbyville News
First off, next week:
We will be broadcasting New Palestine at Delta. Join Andrew Smith, Mike Jackson and Chris Lambert for the call at 6:30 p.m. from Delta. As always, go to HancockCountySports.com or click on the broadcast links here. NP is 10-0, Delta is 5-5, but 7-3 on the field. NP won the regular-season meeting 31-20 in Week 4 at Lucas Oil Stadium.
In the other half of the sectional semifinal, Greenfield-Central (6-4) will visit Pendleton Heights (9-1). PH won the regular-season finale 34-3.
4A Sectional 13 (games listed in order of the bracket)
New Palestine 62, Muncie Central 0: Not much more can be said about this one. New Palestine remains unbeaten at 10-0 with a big victory, as the Dragons score 34 points in the first quarter to knock off the Bearcats 62-0. Connor Simmons completed 11-of-17 passes, five for touchdowns. NP's defense produced its third shutout of the year -- its second in a row -- and the Dragons pushed their home winning streak to 16. Josh Penley caught two TD passes. Brandon Wiggins, Chris Walden and Brandon Collins were at the receiving end of others. Matt Siergiej scored twice, Austin Monday and Nolan Hill had TD runs. Muncie Central was held to less than 100 total yards. Muncie Central finished 2-8. The NP victory also clinched an 8-0 record for the HHC against North Central Conference teams this year.
Daily Reporter | Muncie Star-Press
Delta 62, Frankfort 0: Delta and New Palestine posted identical scores on the evening. Delta built a 49-0 halftime lead. At one point, the Eagles (5-5, 7-3 on the field) scored on five consecutive offensive plays. RB Landon Lambert had four TDs and a long interception return in the game. Delta posted its most lopsided victory in 12 years. Frankfort finished 0-10.
Muncie Star-Press
Greenfield-Central 48, Muncie South 22: G-C's special teams were spectacular in the convincing victory. Matt Dickerson blocked a punt and ran it in for a TD, and had both interception and kickoff returns for TDs in the Cougar victory, which gives G-C a 6-4 record and clinches back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since the Cougars' state runner-up team in 1975.Muncie South finished 3-7.
Daily Reporter | Muncie Star-Press
Pendleton Heights 31, Mt. Vernon 7: A strong effort by the Arabians up front allowed them to pull away from MV early. PH scored three TDs and a field goal on its first four drives augmented by big plays. Jacob Lyons' 76-yard TD on the Arabians' second offensive play made it a 7-0. Jon Furrow's 48-yard run on the third offensive play set up Lyons' 1-yard TD run. Clint Nicholson's 44-yard run set up a 19-yard TD pass to Austin Coffel, who had a nice receiving game. Lyons and Furrow both ran for more than 130 yards, Nicholson topped 70, Patishall threw for 117 and the Arabians were strong. MV's highlight was an 87-yard kickoff return by Tyler Dicks, and later, an interception by Dicks to prevent a PH score. Anthony Burnett had 85 yards rushing for the Marauders, who finish the year 5-5 in coach Doug Armstrong's first season. With a lot of their key players back, MV is expecting a big year next year. PH, ranked No. 5 in Class 4A, is 9-1 heading into next week's home game against Greenfield-Central.
Daily Reporter | Anderson Herald-Bulletin | Broadcast archive
Class A, Sectional 37
Cambridge City Lincoln 42, Eastern Hancock 21: EH had tied up the Golden Eagles 14-14 at halftime, but saw a very strong CCL team pull away in the second half. Spencer Gilbert had a big night catching the football, with 135 receiving yards, including a 55-yard TD pass. Logan Gilbert also threw a 59-yard TD pass to Billy Stapleton in the third quarter, but Cambridge City scored twice in the fourth quarter to pull away. Logan Gilbert threw for 232 yards on the day -- 133 to his brother Spencer. But CCL's attack was balanced, gaining more than 200 yards in the air and boasting a 100-yard rusher. EH finishes 3-7, but has made some big strides this season. CCL is now 8-2 and advances to play Northeastern next week.
Daily Reporter | Richmond Palladium-Item
Elsewhere in the HHC
Class 3A, Sectional 19
Yorktown 38, Eastbrook 24: Esatbrook came in undefeated on the field and ranked No. 2 in Class 3A. No more. Yorktown -- battle-tested by a schedule that saw them play seven of their nine games against Class 4A schools -- posted an impressive road victory against the highly-regarded Panthers. Yorktown rallied from a 21-0 first-quarter deficit to win the game. Brendon Barnes had TD runs of 63 and 60 yards in the second half to give the Tigers a 25-24 lead. He also had an 84-yard TD catch to ice it late. QB Joe Todd also threw a short TD to Jason Brown on fourth down to make it 31-24. Barnes had 264 rushing yards on the night and more than 300 from scrimmage. The Tigers (6-4) will face Blackford next week.
Muncie Star-Press
Class 3A, Sectional 22
Brown County 15, Rushville 8: The Lions held an 8-7 lead much of the night, but saw BC rally in the fourth quarter with a late TD to win it. Rushville finishes 2-8.
Class 4A, Sectional 15
Columbus East 49, Shelbyville 21: While Gunnar Kiel didn't play, it didn't slow the Olympians in the evening. Sophomore Alex Cowan threw for two TDs and running back Andrew Wilson had two long touchdown runs for the Olympians, who are ranked No. 3 in Class 4A. Shelbyville finishes the year 1-9.
Shelbyville News
Friday, October 21, 2011
Sectional Round 1 wrapup
Sectional 13 has become the Hoosier Heritage Conference tournament.
Two of the four Hancock County teams are still alive, as are five of the
eight Hoosier Heritage Conference teams after a big Class 3A upset
tonight.
A quick roundup:
Sectional 13
Pendleton Heights 31, Mt. Vernon 7: Impressive job by the Arabians tonight as their line controlled both sides of the ball. PH had 450+ yards of total offense, with two 100-yard rushers in Jacob Lyons and Jon Furrow, and QB Mitch Patishall made some strong throws when needed. PH's defense was super-impressive, holding MV below 200 yards of total offense and keeping a team out of the end zone for three straight weeks. MV's touchdown was an 87-yard kickoff return by Tyler Dicks. Anthony Burnett led MV with 85 rushing yards. It's a young Marauder squad -- they look to be loaded for the next week. PH, ranked No. 5/6 in 4A, is now 9-1 and has scored 30+ points nine times. MV finishes 5-5 in coach Doug Amstrong's first year.
Greenfield-Central 48, Muncie South 22: The Cougars pulled away in the middle quarters and added yet another return touchdown -- this time blocking a punt in the end zone. G-C fell to Pendleton Heights last week 34-3 -- now the Cougars earn a rematch with the Arabians in Pendleton. G-C also clinches its second straight winning season at 6-4 -- it's the first time the Cougars have had back-to-back winning seasons since 1973-75. Muncie South finishes 3-8.
New Palestine 62, Muncie Central 0: NP led 34-0 after a quarter and rolled from there. Matt Siergiej scored two touchdowns, Connor Simmons threw TD passes to Brandon Collins, Brandon Wiggins, Josh Penley and Tyler Walden, and NP's defense posts its second straight shutout and third of the year. NP, now 10-0 and ranked No. 1 in Class 4A, will visit Delta next week in our Game of the Week broadcast on HancockCountySports.com. Muncie Central finishes 2-8. The Dragons' victory gives the HHC an 8-0 record against NCC teams this season.
Delta 62, Frankfort 0: The Eagles have really hit their stride since a 3-game losing streak in the middle of the season. Delta has allowed just two TDs the last three weeks. Delta -- now 5-5 (7-3 on the field) will host New Palestine in a rematch of their Week 4 matchup from Lucas Oil Stadium, which NP won 31-20.
Next week (Friday, Oct. 28)
New Palestine (10-0) at Delta (5-5), 7 p.m. (LIVE: HancockCountySports.com)
Greenfield-Central (6-4) at Pendleton Heights (8-1), 7 p.m. (broadcast: WEEM-91.7, WRGF-89.7).
Sectional 37
Cambridge City Lincoln 42, Eastern Hancock 21: The Royals and Golden Eagles were nip-and-tuck for much of the night, but CCL pulled away late to win. The Royals finish with a 3-7 record, but made some big strides under first-year coach Pat Echeverria. CCL is now 8-2 on the season, its best in school history.
Elsewhere in Sectional 37:
Northeastern 47, Indiana Deaf 0
Knightstown 27, Hagerstown 18: Congrats to MV grad Pat Mallory who wins his first playoff game as the Panthers' head coach.
Scecina 44, Tri 8
Next week (Friday, Oct. 28)
Northeastern (5-5) at Cambridge City Lincoln (8-2)
Knightstown (7-3) at Scecina (7-3)
Elsewhere in the HHC
Class 3A Sectional 19: HUGE upset for Yorktown, which beats 3A No. 2/3 Eastbrook 38-24. The Panthers had been unbeaten on the field (but were 6-3 due to forfeits). The game shows the strength of the HHC, as its fifth-place team knocks off one of the top teams in the Central Indiana Conference and in the state for quite some time. Yorktown is now 6-4 and will visit Bellmont (4-6) next week.
Class 3A Sectional 22: Rushville led Brown County much of the night, but falls 15-8 on a late touchdown by the Eagles. Rushville finishes the year 2-8.
Class 4A Sectional 15: Shelbyville is defeated by 4A No. 3 Columbus East 49-21 despite East's Gunnar Kiel not playing due to a practice injury.
A quick roundup:
Sectional 13
Pendleton Heights 31, Mt. Vernon 7: Impressive job by the Arabians tonight as their line controlled both sides of the ball. PH had 450+ yards of total offense, with two 100-yard rushers in Jacob Lyons and Jon Furrow, and QB Mitch Patishall made some strong throws when needed. PH's defense was super-impressive, holding MV below 200 yards of total offense and keeping a team out of the end zone for three straight weeks. MV's touchdown was an 87-yard kickoff return by Tyler Dicks. Anthony Burnett led MV with 85 rushing yards. It's a young Marauder squad -- they look to be loaded for the next week. PH, ranked No. 5/6 in 4A, is now 9-1 and has scored 30+ points nine times. MV finishes 5-5 in coach Doug Amstrong's first year.
Greenfield-Central 48, Muncie South 22: The Cougars pulled away in the middle quarters and added yet another return touchdown -- this time blocking a punt in the end zone. G-C fell to Pendleton Heights last week 34-3 -- now the Cougars earn a rematch with the Arabians in Pendleton. G-C also clinches its second straight winning season at 6-4 -- it's the first time the Cougars have had back-to-back winning seasons since 1973-75. Muncie South finishes 3-8.
New Palestine 62, Muncie Central 0: NP led 34-0 after a quarter and rolled from there. Matt Siergiej scored two touchdowns, Connor Simmons threw TD passes to Brandon Collins, Brandon Wiggins, Josh Penley and Tyler Walden, and NP's defense posts its second straight shutout and third of the year. NP, now 10-0 and ranked No. 1 in Class 4A, will visit Delta next week in our Game of the Week broadcast on HancockCountySports.com. Muncie Central finishes 2-8. The Dragons' victory gives the HHC an 8-0 record against NCC teams this season.
Delta 62, Frankfort 0: The Eagles have really hit their stride since a 3-game losing streak in the middle of the season. Delta has allowed just two TDs the last three weeks. Delta -- now 5-5 (7-3 on the field) will host New Palestine in a rematch of their Week 4 matchup from Lucas Oil Stadium, which NP won 31-20.
Next week (Friday, Oct. 28)
New Palestine (10-0) at Delta (5-5), 7 p.m. (LIVE: HancockCountySports.com)
Greenfield-Central (6-4) at Pendleton Heights (8-1), 7 p.m. (broadcast: WEEM-91.7, WRGF-89.7).
Sectional 37
Cambridge City Lincoln 42, Eastern Hancock 21: The Royals and Golden Eagles were nip-and-tuck for much of the night, but CCL pulled away late to win. The Royals finish with a 3-7 record, but made some big strides under first-year coach Pat Echeverria. CCL is now 8-2 on the season, its best in school history.
Elsewhere in Sectional 37:
Northeastern 47, Indiana Deaf 0
Knightstown 27, Hagerstown 18: Congrats to MV grad Pat Mallory who wins his first playoff game as the Panthers' head coach.
Scecina 44, Tri 8
Next week (Friday, Oct. 28)
Northeastern (5-5) at Cambridge City Lincoln (8-2)
Knightstown (7-3) at Scecina (7-3)
Elsewhere in the HHC
Class 3A Sectional 19: HUGE upset for Yorktown, which beats 3A No. 2/3 Eastbrook 38-24. The Panthers had been unbeaten on the field (but were 6-3 due to forfeits). The game shows the strength of the HHC, as its fifth-place team knocks off one of the top teams in the Central Indiana Conference and in the state for quite some time. Yorktown is now 6-4 and will visit Bellmont (4-6) next week.
Class 3A Sectional 22: Rushville led Brown County much of the night, but falls 15-8 on a late touchdown by the Eagles. Rushville finishes the year 2-8.
Class 4A Sectional 15: Shelbyville is defeated by 4A No. 3 Columbus East 49-21 despite East's Gunnar Kiel not playing due to a practice injury.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Sectional Round 1 preview
The regular season is a distant memory. The trophies have been handed out, but now everyone is 0-0 and the games start over again.
Let's take a look ahead at the state tournament in the HHC and Hancock County. Our Game of the Week will be from Sectional 13, where the Mt. Vernon Marauders of coach Doug Armstrong will face the defending sectional champion and fifth-ranked Pendleton Heights Arabians. We'll also be keeping you up on as many other sectional games as we can, so make sure you log in to HancockCountySports.com at 6:30 p.m. Friday.
There's also a "looking ahead" spot to show where the local teams would go if they win Round 1.
All games at 7 p.m. Friday
Class 4A, Sectional 13
Muncie Central (2-7) at #1/2 New Palestine (9-0): The Dragons have practically rewritten the school's record book offensively, but the Dragons' defense has been equally-strong in the last half of the season. Connor Simmons broke the NPHS single-season passing record last week and has the career record in his sights. Muncie Central has four receivers with at least 200 yards receiving and a running game led by JaRon Terry. NP will be heavily favored.
Frankfort (0-9) at Delta (6-3 on the field): The Eagles have hit their groove after a mid-season 3-game losing streak. QB Ozzie Mann hooked up with Jake Greenberg for a couple of big scorers last week against Shelbyville. Delta should be a heavy favorite in this one.
Muncie South (3-6) at Greenfield-Central (5-4): A Cougar victory would give them back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 1973-75 -- a time period in which the Cougars were a state champion and a state runner-up. G-C had a tough loss to Pendleton Heights last week, but the Cougars have a ballhawking defense and a balanced offense with one of the top athletes in the HHC in Matt Dickerson. Two of Muncie South's three wins are against Connersville.
Mt. Vernon (5-4) at #5/6 Pendleton Heights (8-1) (LISTEN LIVE!): The Arabians have been one of the state's most impressive teams all season. They've been dominant, scoring at least 30 points in eight of their nine games this year, led by QB Mitch Patishall and two rushers who will likely finish over the 1,000-yard mark in Jacob Lyons and Jon Furrow. But MV's defense is very strong and can give the Marauders a shot. Since a 38-6 loss to PH in Week 5, the Marauder defense allowed just 15 points in regulation the next three weeks.
Looking ahead to Round 2 for HHC/county schools:
New Palestine -- on the road in Round 2 regardless of opponent
Delta -- at home vs. NP, on road vs. MC
Greenfield-Central -- on the road in Round 2 regardless of opponent
MV -- at home in round 2
PH -- at home vs. G-C, on road vs. Muncie South
Week 3: Team that has played the most road sectional games will host. If both teams have been the road team the same number of times, the team in the bottom bracket shall host.
Class A, Sectional 37
Indiana Deaf (0-9) at Northeastern (4-5)
Eastern Hancock (3-6) at Cambridge City Lincoln (7-2): CCL is coming off its best season in school history, but the Golden Eagles won't be overlooking the Royals. EH's 3-6 record is a bit deceiving, as the Royals play a schedule primarily made up of bigger schools and they've been competitive throughout much of the year. QB Logan Gilbert and RB Spencer Gilbert are important, but EH has been developing lots of contributions and coach Pat Echeverria has done a nice job in Year 1.
Knightstown (6-3) at Hagerstown (5-4): The marquee matchup in the sectional. Coach Pat Mallory's Panthers head to the road. Hagerstown's record is deceiving -- the Tigers have been one of the area's top teams, and will be a tough out at home.
Scecina (6-3) at Tri (0-9): Scecina just beat a ranked Lutheran squad handily last week. They're on a roll headed into the tourney.
Looking ahead to Round 2 for HHC/county schools:
Eastern Hancock -- at home in Round 2 regardless of opponent
HHC sectionals
Class 4A, Sectional 15
Richmond (4-5) at Franklin County (7-2): A good matchup. Richmond is a solid team that gave New Palestine all it could handle for a half. The Red Devils are also young and athletic. Franklin County is a solid program from a strong football tradition. Homefield will help.
Connersville (2-7) at New Castle (0-9): Two programs who have struggled to get traction meet up. Both are well-coached teams.
East Central (8-1) at South Dearborn (7-2): Wow! What a matchup. EC was a top-5 team before the loss to Roncalli last week. Add in the intra-county rivalry and this will be a blast.
Columbus East (8-1) at Shelbyville (1-8): Shelby gets a tough draw facing Gunnar Kiel and the Columbus East Olympians right out of the chute. Kiel is one of the nation's top QBs this season, and is an Indiana recruit. This will be a tough task for a Golden Bear squad that has had an opportunistic, strong defense led by Ethan Runnebohm, but has struggled with turnovers.
Looking ahead to Round 2 for HHC/county schools:
Yorktown -- home vs. Blackford, road vs. Bellmont
Looking ahead to Round 2 for HHC/county schools:
Rushville -- home vs. BG, road vs. IC
Let's take a look ahead at the state tournament in the HHC and Hancock County. Our Game of the Week will be from Sectional 13, where the Mt. Vernon Marauders of coach Doug Armstrong will face the defending sectional champion and fifth-ranked Pendleton Heights Arabians. We'll also be keeping you up on as many other sectional games as we can, so make sure you log in to HancockCountySports.com at 6:30 p.m. Friday.
There's also a "looking ahead" spot to show where the local teams would go if they win Round 1.
All games at 7 p.m. Friday
Class 4A, Sectional 13
Muncie Central (2-7) at #1/2 New Palestine (9-0): The Dragons have practically rewritten the school's record book offensively, but the Dragons' defense has been equally-strong in the last half of the season. Connor Simmons broke the NPHS single-season passing record last week and has the career record in his sights. Muncie Central has four receivers with at least 200 yards receiving and a running game led by JaRon Terry. NP will be heavily favored.
Frankfort (0-9) at Delta (6-3 on the field): The Eagles have hit their groove after a mid-season 3-game losing streak. QB Ozzie Mann hooked up with Jake Greenberg for a couple of big scorers last week against Shelbyville. Delta should be a heavy favorite in this one.
Muncie South (3-6) at Greenfield-Central (5-4): A Cougar victory would give them back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 1973-75 -- a time period in which the Cougars were a state champion and a state runner-up. G-C had a tough loss to Pendleton Heights last week, but the Cougars have a ballhawking defense and a balanced offense with one of the top athletes in the HHC in Matt Dickerson. Two of Muncie South's three wins are against Connersville.
Mt. Vernon (5-4) at #5/6 Pendleton Heights (8-1) (LISTEN LIVE!): The Arabians have been one of the state's most impressive teams all season. They've been dominant, scoring at least 30 points in eight of their nine games this year, led by QB Mitch Patishall and two rushers who will likely finish over the 1,000-yard mark in Jacob Lyons and Jon Furrow. But MV's defense is very strong and can give the Marauders a shot. Since a 38-6 loss to PH in Week 5, the Marauder defense allowed just 15 points in regulation the next three weeks.
Looking ahead to Round 2 for HHC/county schools:
New Palestine -- on the road in Round 2 regardless of opponent
Delta -- at home vs. NP, on road vs. MC
Greenfield-Central -- on the road in Round 2 regardless of opponent
MV -- at home in round 2
PH -- at home vs. G-C, on road vs. Muncie South
Week 3: Team that has played the most road sectional games will host. If both teams have been the road team the same number of times, the team in the bottom bracket shall host.
Class A, Sectional 37
Indiana Deaf (0-9) at Northeastern (4-5)
Eastern Hancock (3-6) at Cambridge City Lincoln (7-2): CCL is coming off its best season in school history, but the Golden Eagles won't be overlooking the Royals. EH's 3-6 record is a bit deceiving, as the Royals play a schedule primarily made up of bigger schools and they've been competitive throughout much of the year. QB Logan Gilbert and RB Spencer Gilbert are important, but EH has been developing lots of contributions and coach Pat Echeverria has done a nice job in Year 1.
Knightstown (6-3) at Hagerstown (5-4): The marquee matchup in the sectional. Coach Pat Mallory's Panthers head to the road. Hagerstown's record is deceiving -- the Tigers have been one of the area's top teams, and will be a tough out at home.
Scecina (6-3) at Tri (0-9): Scecina just beat a ranked Lutheran squad handily last week. They're on a roll headed into the tourney.
Looking ahead to Round 2 for HHC/county schools:
Eastern Hancock -- at home in Round 2 regardless of opponent
HHC sectionals
Class 4A, Sectional 15
Richmond (4-5) at Franklin County (7-2): A good matchup. Richmond is a solid team that gave New Palestine all it could handle for a half. The Red Devils are also young and athletic. Franklin County is a solid program from a strong football tradition. Homefield will help.
Connersville (2-7) at New Castle (0-9): Two programs who have struggled to get traction meet up. Both are well-coached teams.
East Central (8-1) at South Dearborn (7-2): Wow! What a matchup. EC was a top-5 team before the loss to Roncalli last week. Add in the intra-county rivalry and this will be a blast.
Columbus East (8-1) at Shelbyville (1-8): Shelby gets a tough draw facing Gunnar Kiel and the Columbus East Olympians right out of the chute. Kiel is one of the nation's top QBs this season, and is an Indiana recruit. This will be a tough task for a Golden Bear squad that has had an opportunistic, strong defense led by Ethan Runnebohm, but has struggled with turnovers.
Looking ahead to Round 2 for HHC/county schools:
Shelbyville -- home vs. SD, road vs. EC
Class 3A, Sectional 19
Yorktown (5-4) at Eastbrook (9-0 on the field): Eastbrook had to forfeit three games, but the Panthers are one of Class 3A's top programs year-in and year-out. Yorktown more than held its own in the tough HHC, winning its last two games in the fourth quarter in come-from-behind fashion to beat both Shelbyville and Rushville. A midseaon victory over Delta can propel Mike Wilhelm's club to have a lot of confidence now that it's not facing 4A teams every week as it had for seven games thsi season.
Bellmont (3-6) at Blackford (2-7)
Mississnewa (7-2) at Maconaquah (2-7)
Western (7-2) at Peru (0-9)
Looking ahead to Round 2 for HHC/county schools:
Yorktown -- home vs. Blackford, road vs. Bellmont
Class 3A, Sectional 22
Howe (5-4) at Edgewood (6-3)
Batesville (3-6) at Greensburg (4-5)
Brown County (4-5) at Rushville (2-7): Again, the Lions played eight of their nine games against 4A competition, so the record can be a bit misleading. It's a big factor in this being Rushville's second-to-last year in the HHC before leaving for the Eastern Indiana Athletic Conference, which will have four 4A schools instead of six. This is a winnable game for Rushville, which is a young team that is continually improving, with Kaleb Lambert and Garrett Hittle leading the way.
Beech Grove (0-9) at Indian Creek (5-4): IC was a semistate team last season. The Braves are tournament-tested and could be a favorite in this sectional.
Looking ahead to Round 2 for HHC/county schools:
Rushville -- home vs. BG, road vs. IC
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Saturday morning QB: End of the season
We saw an impressive effort from New Palestine last night, which came through in all three phases to clinch an unbeaten season and a second straight HHC title in our Game of the Week. Defending sectional champ Pendleton Heights also made a statement going into Sectional 13. The HHC race sorted itself out with a mad scramble for positioning in the middle of the conference, and now, everyone is 0-0 and we start thinking about the state tournament.
But first, let's look back on a fine regular-season-ending night.
New Palestine 27, Mt. Vernon 0: The top-ranked team in Class 4A showed why with a strong defensive effort. The Dragons only needed nine seconds to score, only allowed 147 total yards to the Marauders and were effective running and passing. QB Connor Simmons threw for 178 yards two touchdowns -- to Josh Penley and Tyler Walden -- and broke the school single-season passing record. Matt Siergiej returned at running back and ran for two touchdowns. NP's defense produced three takeaways and never allowed MV to penetrate inside the 30-yard line. The Dragoons clinched their first unbeaten season since 1988 -- the fourth in school history -- and extended their overall regular-season winning streak to 17. They also won their 20th straight HHC game, breaking a record set by Hamilton Southeastern from 1994-97. Tyler Dicks led the Marauders with 70 yards rushing. MV's defense had a solid day and coach Doug Amstrong tried to get them some big plays -- calling for an on-side kick to start the second half (it appeared to work, but the official said the ball was touched a couple of millimeters before it went 10 yards) and a fake punt with Anthony Burnett that NP was able to smell out. NP hosts Muncie Central, MV visits Pendleton Heights in Sectional 13 play next week.
Daily Reporter | Broadcast archive
Pendleton Heights 34, Greenfield-Central 3: PH's Jon Furrow had a big night, kicking two field goals, four extra points and scoring two touchdowns to move into second place on the school's career scoring list. The Arabians kept their offensive roll going -- they've scored at least 30 points in all eight of their victories this year. Furrow ran for 130+ yards. PH's defense also held G-C to just 34 rushing yards, led by Matt Dickerson's 26. The Arabians head into the tournament with an 8-1 record, sole possession of second place with a 6-1 mark. G-C finishes 5-4 overall and 4-3 in HHC play for a third-place tie. PH hosts Mt. Vernon, G-C hosts Muncie South in Sectional 13 play next week. If both win, they would meet up in the sectional semifinals on the same Arabian field.
Daily Reporter | Anderson Herald-Bulletin
Eastern Hancock 19, Edinburgh 0: The Royals posted their first shutout since coach Kyle Johnson's team posted one in 1995. EH has been getting stronger all season -- including coming the closest to knocking off MIFC champion Milan -- and the Royals capped it off by winning two of their last three. Freshman Cooper Henderson scored twice and ran for 73 yards. Spencer Gilbert had a TD run. QB Logan Gilbert threw for 60 yards and ran for 47. EH finishes the regular season 3-6. EH visits Cambridge City Lincoln next week in Sectional 37 play.
Daily Reporter
Elsewhere in the HHC
Delta 45, Shelbyville 6: The Eagles won their third straight to clinch a third-place tie with G-C in the HHC standings. Ozzie Mann set the tone with a 63-yard pass to Landon Lambert on the first offensive play of the game and the Eagles never looked back. RB Mason Bechdolt had a 52-yard TD run and Ryan Bickford had an 80-yard KOR for a TD. The Eagles finish 4-5 (4-3), but were 6-3 on the field. Shelby finishes 1-6 in the HHC and 1-8 overall. Delta meets Frankfort next week in Sectional 13. Shelby hosts Columbus East.
Shelbyville News | Muncie Star-Press
Yorktown 28, Rushville 21: A competitive game sends Yorktown into a fifth-place tie in the HHC as the Tigers post their second straight come-from-behind victory on the road. Rushville scored to take a 21-20 lead with two minutes left, but Yorktown's Brendon Barnes broke off a 50-yard TD run and then ran in the two-point conversion to give the Tigers a victory. Barnes ran for 181 yards and two fourth-quarter TDs. Coach Mike Wilhelm's Tigers finish 5-4 and 3-4 in HHC play. Rushville finishes 2-7 (0-7) for the second straight year.
Muncie Star-Press
Final HHC standingsNew Palestine 7-0/9-0
Pendleton Heights 6-1/8-1
Greenfield-Central 4-3/5-4
Delta 4-3/4-5
Mt. Vernon 3-4/5-4
Yorktown 3-4/5-4
Shelbyville 1-6/1-8
Rushville 0-7/2-7
Final MIFC standings
Milan 5-0/8-1
Indian Creek 4-1/5-4
Triton Central 3-2/4-5
North Decatur 2-3/3-6
Eastern Hancock 1-4/3-6
South Decatur 0-5/2-7
Sectional pairings next week
Hancock County schools
Class 4A sectional 13
Muncie Central (2-7) at New Palestine (9-0)
Frankfort (0-9) at Delta (6-3 on the field)
Muncie South (3-6) at Greenfield-Central (5-4)
Mt. Vernon (5-4) at Pendleton Heights (8-1) (broadcast: HancockCountySports.com)
Class A sectional 37
Indiana Deaf (0-9) at Northeastern (4-5)
Eastern Hancock (3-6) at Cambridge City Lincoln (7-2)
Knightstown (6-3) at Hagerstown (5-4)
Scecina (6-3) at Tri (0-9)
In the Hoosier Heritage Conference
Class 3A sectional 19
Yorktown (5-4) at Eastbrook (9-0 on the field)Bellmont (3-6) at Blackford (2-7)
Mississinewa (7-2) at Maconaquah (2-7)
Western (7-2) at Peru (0-9)
Class 3A sectional 22
Howe (5-4) at Edgewood (6-3)Batesville (3-6) at Greensburg (4-5)
Brown County (4-5) at Rushville (2-7)
Beech Grove (0-9) at Indian Creek (5-4)
Class 4A sectional 15
Richmond (4-5) at Franklin County (7-2)Connersville (2-7) at New Castle (0-9)
East Central (8-1) at South Dearborn (7-2)
Columbus East (8-1) at Shelbyville (1-8)
But first, let's look back on a fine regular-season-ending night.
New Palestine 27, Mt. Vernon 0: The top-ranked team in Class 4A showed why with a strong defensive effort. The Dragons only needed nine seconds to score, only allowed 147 total yards to the Marauders and were effective running and passing. QB Connor Simmons threw for 178 yards two touchdowns -- to Josh Penley and Tyler Walden -- and broke the school single-season passing record. Matt Siergiej returned at running back and ran for two touchdowns. NP's defense produced three takeaways and never allowed MV to penetrate inside the 30-yard line. The Dragoons clinched their first unbeaten season since 1988 -- the fourth in school history -- and extended their overall regular-season winning streak to 17. They also won their 20th straight HHC game, breaking a record set by Hamilton Southeastern from 1994-97. Tyler Dicks led the Marauders with 70 yards rushing. MV's defense had a solid day and coach Doug Amstrong tried to get them some big plays -- calling for an on-side kick to start the second half (it appeared to work, but the official said the ball was touched a couple of millimeters before it went 10 yards) and a fake punt with Anthony Burnett that NP was able to smell out. NP hosts Muncie Central, MV visits Pendleton Heights in Sectional 13 play next week.
Daily Reporter | Broadcast archive
Pendleton Heights 34, Greenfield-Central 3: PH's Jon Furrow had a big night, kicking two field goals, four extra points and scoring two touchdowns to move into second place on the school's career scoring list. The Arabians kept their offensive roll going -- they've scored at least 30 points in all eight of their victories this year. Furrow ran for 130+ yards. PH's defense also held G-C to just 34 rushing yards, led by Matt Dickerson's 26. The Arabians head into the tournament with an 8-1 record, sole possession of second place with a 6-1 mark. G-C finishes 5-4 overall and 4-3 in HHC play for a third-place tie. PH hosts Mt. Vernon, G-C hosts Muncie South in Sectional 13 play next week. If both win, they would meet up in the sectional semifinals on the same Arabian field.
Daily Reporter | Anderson Herald-Bulletin
Eastern Hancock 19, Edinburgh 0: The Royals posted their first shutout since coach Kyle Johnson's team posted one in 1995. EH has been getting stronger all season -- including coming the closest to knocking off MIFC champion Milan -- and the Royals capped it off by winning two of their last three. Freshman Cooper Henderson scored twice and ran for 73 yards. Spencer Gilbert had a TD run. QB Logan Gilbert threw for 60 yards and ran for 47. EH finishes the regular season 3-6. EH visits Cambridge City Lincoln next week in Sectional 37 play.
Daily Reporter
Elsewhere in the HHC
Delta 45, Shelbyville 6: The Eagles won their third straight to clinch a third-place tie with G-C in the HHC standings. Ozzie Mann set the tone with a 63-yard pass to Landon Lambert on the first offensive play of the game and the Eagles never looked back. RB Mason Bechdolt had a 52-yard TD run and Ryan Bickford had an 80-yard KOR for a TD. The Eagles finish 4-5 (4-3), but were 6-3 on the field. Shelby finishes 1-6 in the HHC and 1-8 overall. Delta meets Frankfort next week in Sectional 13. Shelby hosts Columbus East.
Shelbyville News | Muncie Star-Press
Yorktown 28, Rushville 21: A competitive game sends Yorktown into a fifth-place tie in the HHC as the Tigers post their second straight come-from-behind victory on the road. Rushville scored to take a 21-20 lead with two minutes left, but Yorktown's Brendon Barnes broke off a 50-yard TD run and then ran in the two-point conversion to give the Tigers a victory. Barnes ran for 181 yards and two fourth-quarter TDs. Coach Mike Wilhelm's Tigers finish 5-4 and 3-4 in HHC play. Rushville finishes 2-7 (0-7) for the second straight year.
Muncie Star-Press
Final HHC standingsNew Palestine 7-0/9-0
Pendleton Heights 6-1/8-1
Greenfield-Central 4-3/5-4
Delta 4-3/4-5
Mt. Vernon 3-4/5-4
Yorktown 3-4/5-4
Shelbyville 1-6/1-8
Rushville 0-7/2-7
Final MIFC standings
Milan 5-0/8-1
Indian Creek 4-1/5-4
Triton Central 3-2/4-5
North Decatur 2-3/3-6
Eastern Hancock 1-4/3-6
South Decatur 0-5/2-7
Sectional pairings next week
Hancock County schools
Class 4A sectional 13
Muncie Central (2-7) at New Palestine (9-0)
Frankfort (0-9) at Delta (6-3 on the field)
Muncie South (3-6) at Greenfield-Central (5-4)
Mt. Vernon (5-4) at Pendleton Heights (8-1) (broadcast: HancockCountySports.com)
Class A sectional 37
Indiana Deaf (0-9) at Northeastern (4-5)
Eastern Hancock (3-6) at Cambridge City Lincoln (7-2)
Knightstown (6-3) at Hagerstown (5-4)
Scecina (6-3) at Tri (0-9)
In the Hoosier Heritage Conference
Class 3A sectional 19
Yorktown (5-4) at Eastbrook (9-0 on the field)Bellmont (3-6) at Blackford (2-7)
Mississinewa (7-2) at Maconaquah (2-7)
Western (7-2) at Peru (0-9)
Class 3A sectional 22
Howe (5-4) at Edgewood (6-3)Batesville (3-6) at Greensburg (4-5)
Brown County (4-5) at Rushville (2-7)
Beech Grove (0-9) at Indian Creek (5-4)
Class 4A sectional 15
Richmond (4-5) at Franklin County (7-2)Connersville (2-7) at New Castle (0-9)
East Central (8-1) at South Dearborn (7-2)
Columbus East (8-1) at Shelbyville (1-8)
Friday, October 14, 2011
Dragons HHC champs
The New Palestine Dragons football team completed a perfect regular season Friday night with a nearly-perfect defensive effort in a 27-0 victory over Mt. Vernon.
We enjoyed bringing you the game -- as we have all season. The Dragons got started quickly -- needing just nine seconds to score the game's first touchdown -- and used a defensive effort that never let MV cross the 30-yard line.
Quarterback Connor Simmons completed 14-of-21 passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns. He now has 2,134 yards on the year, breaking Matt Rodgers' 18-year-old mark of 2,001. Simmons already holds the single-season mark for TD passes and extended it with his 24th and 25th of the year tonight. Josh Penley was his favorite target with six catches for 71 yards.
Junior running back Matt Siergiej had 44 yards on 16 carries and scored two touchdowns.
The biggest throw-and-catch happened on the game's first play. On the opening kickoff, the Dragons' Nolan Hill placed the ball between the up men and the Marauders' deep returners. It bounced on the ground and the Dragons recovered the loose ball. On the game's first play, Simmons dropped back and hit Penley in stride for a 22-yard touchdown pass. Just nine seconds in, the Dragons led 6-0, and they'd never look back from there. After stopping the Marauders on down in NP territory, the Dragons got to work again on a 14-play, 63-yard drive that primarily featured Siergiej's running.He capped it off with a 1-yard run that made it 13-0 just 4:39 in.
That was all the Dragon defense would need. The Marauders would never penetrate inside the NP 30. The Dragons stopped MV on downs twice in the first half, saw Penley nab his fourth interception of the year, blocked a punt and stuffed a fake punt. Brandon Collins also scooped up a Marauder fumble in the third quarter, setting up Siergiej's second TD of the day -- this one from 2 yards out that made it 20-0 with 2:48 left in the third. After forcing a punt, the Dragons added the insurance with a mammoth 14-play, 76-yard, 6:33 drive that saw NP convert two 20-plus yards-to-go situations. One of those was a 26-yard pass to Austin Monday on 2nd-and-24 to the MV 27. A couple of plays later, on first-and-22 from the 29, Simmons found Tyler Walden open at the back of the end zone for a touchdown pass.
The Dragons gained 271 total yards -- 93 on the ground and 178 through the air. They held MV to just 147 yards -- including minus-4 in the passing game. MV had seven total first downs, but had none in the second half until the final drive.
The victory clinches an HHC record for the Dragons, who won their 20th straight conference game. That breaks a record set by Hamilton Southeastern from 1994-97. The Dragons also retained possession of the HHC Helmet for the 14th straight game -- a conference record -- and will maintain it through the offseason for the second straight year. Simmons is also nearing career marks for passing yards, passing TDs and season TD passes. Collins has already set the school's single-season receiveing mark. He had two catches for 25 yards tonight.
New Palestine hosts Muncie Central next week in Sectional 13 play. Mt. Vernon (5-4, 3-4) is in the opposite half of the bracket, and visits Pendleton Heights in the game we will broadcast on HancockCountySports.com!
Elsewhere
Pendleton Heights 34, Greenfield-Central 3: The seventh-ranked Arabians have been on fire the last few weeks, and showed that again tonight. PH built an early 10-0 lead, extended it to a two-score game by halftime and pulled away in the second half. The Arabians finish the year with an 8-1 mark and 6-1 in the conference, showing a tremendous resurgence over the last two years. PH is a defending sectional champion and will go for back-to-back. PH visits Mt. Vernon in our HancockCountySports.com broadcast next week. G-C will host Muncie South in the other Sectional 13 bottom-bracket semifinal game.
Eastern Hancock 19, Edinburgh 0: The Royals register a shutout for the first time since 2005 in a victory over the Lancers. Coach Pat Echeverria's team wins two of its last three to head into the sectional. The Royals have shown themselves a strong team in the first year with a new head coach. At 3-6, they will visit Cambridge City Lincoln next week.
And in the HHC
Delta 45, Shelbyville 6: The Eagles are a force to be reckoned with, having won three straight games. Delta finishes the year 4-5 (6-3 on the field) and having allowed just 13 points the last two weeks. Eagles tie Greenfield-Central for 3rd in the conference with a 4-3 mark. Delta meets Frankfort in Sectional 13 action next week. Shelby hosts Columbus East in Sectional 15. Shelby is 1-8 (1-6).
Yorktown 28, Rushville 21: The Tigers win their second straight close game to finish in a fifth-place tie with Mt. Vernon in the HHC standings. Yorktown is now 3-4 in the HHC and 5-4 overall. Rushville is 2-7 (0-7) and has now dropped 15 straight HHC games.
Final HHC standings
New Palestine 7-0/9-0
Pendleton Heights 6-1/8-1
Greenfield-Central 4-3/5-4
Delta 4-3/4-5
Mt. Vernon 3-4/5-4
Yorktown 3-4/5-4
Shelbyville 1-6/1-8
Rushville 0-7/2-7
Final MIFC standings
Milan 5-0/8-1
Indian Creek 4-1/5-4
Triton Central 3-2/4-5
North Decatur 2-3/3-6
Eastern Hancock 1-4/3-6
South Decatur 0-5/2-7
We enjoyed bringing you the game -- as we have all season. The Dragons got started quickly -- needing just nine seconds to score the game's first touchdown -- and used a defensive effort that never let MV cross the 30-yard line.
Quarterback Connor Simmons completed 14-of-21 passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns. He now has 2,134 yards on the year, breaking Matt Rodgers' 18-year-old mark of 2,001. Simmons already holds the single-season mark for TD passes and extended it with his 24th and 25th of the year tonight. Josh Penley was his favorite target with six catches for 71 yards.
Junior running back Matt Siergiej had 44 yards on 16 carries and scored two touchdowns.
The biggest throw-and-catch happened on the game's first play. On the opening kickoff, the Dragons' Nolan Hill placed the ball between the up men and the Marauders' deep returners. It bounced on the ground and the Dragons recovered the loose ball. On the game's first play, Simmons dropped back and hit Penley in stride for a 22-yard touchdown pass. Just nine seconds in, the Dragons led 6-0, and they'd never look back from there. After stopping the Marauders on down in NP territory, the Dragons got to work again on a 14-play, 63-yard drive that primarily featured Siergiej's running.He capped it off with a 1-yard run that made it 13-0 just 4:39 in.
That was all the Dragon defense would need. The Marauders would never penetrate inside the NP 30. The Dragons stopped MV on downs twice in the first half, saw Penley nab his fourth interception of the year, blocked a punt and stuffed a fake punt. Brandon Collins also scooped up a Marauder fumble in the third quarter, setting up Siergiej's second TD of the day -- this one from 2 yards out that made it 20-0 with 2:48 left in the third. After forcing a punt, the Dragons added the insurance with a mammoth 14-play, 76-yard, 6:33 drive that saw NP convert two 20-plus yards-to-go situations. One of those was a 26-yard pass to Austin Monday on 2nd-and-24 to the MV 27. A couple of plays later, on first-and-22 from the 29, Simmons found Tyler Walden open at the back of the end zone for a touchdown pass.
The Dragons gained 271 total yards -- 93 on the ground and 178 through the air. They held MV to just 147 yards -- including minus-4 in the passing game. MV had seven total first downs, but had none in the second half until the final drive.
The victory clinches an HHC record for the Dragons, who won their 20th straight conference game. That breaks a record set by Hamilton Southeastern from 1994-97. The Dragons also retained possession of the HHC Helmet for the 14th straight game -- a conference record -- and will maintain it through the offseason for the second straight year. Simmons is also nearing career marks for passing yards, passing TDs and season TD passes. Collins has already set the school's single-season receiveing mark. He had two catches for 25 yards tonight.
New Palestine hosts Muncie Central next week in Sectional 13 play. Mt. Vernon (5-4, 3-4) is in the opposite half of the bracket, and visits Pendleton Heights in the game we will broadcast on HancockCountySports.com!
Elsewhere
Pendleton Heights 34, Greenfield-Central 3: The seventh-ranked Arabians have been on fire the last few weeks, and showed that again tonight. PH built an early 10-0 lead, extended it to a two-score game by halftime and pulled away in the second half. The Arabians finish the year with an 8-1 mark and 6-1 in the conference, showing a tremendous resurgence over the last two years. PH is a defending sectional champion and will go for back-to-back. PH visits Mt. Vernon in our HancockCountySports.com broadcast next week. G-C will host Muncie South in the other Sectional 13 bottom-bracket semifinal game.
Eastern Hancock 19, Edinburgh 0: The Royals register a shutout for the first time since 2005 in a victory over the Lancers. Coach Pat Echeverria's team wins two of its last three to head into the sectional. The Royals have shown themselves a strong team in the first year with a new head coach. At 3-6, they will visit Cambridge City Lincoln next week.
And in the HHC
Delta 45, Shelbyville 6: The Eagles are a force to be reckoned with, having won three straight games. Delta finishes the year 4-5 (6-3 on the field) and having allowed just 13 points the last two weeks. Eagles tie Greenfield-Central for 3rd in the conference with a 4-3 mark. Delta meets Frankfort in Sectional 13 action next week. Shelby hosts Columbus East in Sectional 15. Shelby is 1-8 (1-6).
Yorktown 28, Rushville 21: The Tigers win their second straight close game to finish in a fifth-place tie with Mt. Vernon in the HHC standings. Yorktown is now 3-4 in the HHC and 5-4 overall. Rushville is 2-7 (0-7) and has now dropped 15 straight HHC games.
Final HHC standings
New Palestine 7-0/9-0
Pendleton Heights 6-1/8-1
Greenfield-Central 4-3/5-4
Delta 4-3/4-5
Mt. Vernon 3-4/5-4
Yorktown 3-4/5-4
Shelbyville 1-6/1-8
Rushville 0-7/2-7
Final MIFC standings
Milan 5-0/8-1
Indian Creek 4-1/5-4
Triton Central 3-2/4-5
North Decatur 2-3/3-6
Eastern Hancock 1-4/3-6
South Decatur 0-5/2-7
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Week 9 -- lots on the line
It's one of my favorite times of year -- Boundary Rail time as Mt. Vernon and New Palestine renew their rivalry for the 48th time in 44 years. But that's not all in Hancock County football. We have the Greenfield-Central Cougars and Pendleton Heights Arabians playing for second in the HHC (for PH, it's a chance at first if NP loses). We have the Dragons trying to clinch the HHC outright for the second year in a row and break a 14-year-old HHC record for consecutive victories in conference games. We have Eastern Hancock looking for its third victory of the year in its season finale and get a boost going into the sectional.
And, of course, everyone knows the draw, so everyone will be looking ahead to next week when the records go to 0-0 and we start over.
But, of course, we have this week to get through first.
Our Game of the Week (live broadcast here)
#1/4 New Palestine (8-0, 6-0) at Mt. Vernon (5-3, 3-3), 7:30 p.m. (broadcast: HancockCountySports.com)
The Boundary Rail battle. These teams have been going at each other for years. You have the irresistable force -- a talented New Palestine offense that's poised to break every passing record the school has -- against the immovable object, a Mt. Vernon defense that has allowed just 17 points in regulation the last three games and went eight straight quarters without allowing a touchdown. MV has suffered some sizable injury losses in recent weeks, but did get RB Anthony Burnett back and coach Doug Armstrong's teams are always ready for rivalry games. Look for a battle between a great air attack led by NP's Connor Simmons vs. MV's solid ground game of Tyler Dicks and Burnett. Join Andrew Smith & Mike Jackson for the call at 7 p.m.
Greenfield-Central (5-3, 4-2) at #7/7 Pendleton Heights (7-1, 5-1), 7:30 p.m. (broadcast: WEEM-91.7, WRGF-89.7).
This game features a balanced PH offense that is scoring a ton of points -- cracking the 60-point barrier twice this season -- against a G-C defense that is scoring a ton of points. PH's Mitch Patishall has shown to be a tremendous QB over the past 3 years and wants to go out with a strong Senior Night showing. His three RBs all ran for 100 yards in last week's victory over Rushville. But G-C has a ballhawking, blitzing defense that makes life miserable for opposing offenses. The Cougars have nine return TDs this year, including an INT from Brant Boles last week. G-C produced three interceptions against a New Palestine team that rarely turns the ball over in last week's narrow 21-19 loss. Cougars are just four points away from being unbeaten in the conference, but this should be a great test.
Eastern Hancock (2-6) at Edinburgh (2-6), 7 p.m.: The Royals are significantly better than their record, but Edinburgh -- led by former Franklin College coach Bill Unsworth -- is an improving football program. Led by the Gilbert brothers, the Royals have been close several times and have a fourth-quarter comeback victory to their credit against South Decatur.
Elsewhere in the HHC
Delta (3-5, 3-3) at Shelbyville (1-7, 1-5), 7 p.m. (broadcast: WSVX-1520, www.wsvx.com): The Eagles have found their mojo again, as QB Ozzie Mann has begun spreading the ball around and the defense shut down MV's running game last week. Shelby has been right there, but turnovers have doomed the Golden Bears throughout the season.
Yorktown (4-4, 2-4) at Rushville (2-6, 0-6), 7 p.m. (broadcast: WIFE-94.3): Tigers coach Mike Wilhem showed some guts last week by going for 2 down 21-20 midway through the fourth quarter -- and being successful -- in a win at Shelbyville. Rushville is young and has struggled through much of the HHC schedule. The league's two 3A teams get an opportunity to see each other before the tourney begins.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
IHSAA football tournament pairings
The IHSAA football tournament pairings have been announced. Here they are
In Class 4A's sectional 13, the three Hancock County schools all drew opposite each other. #1/4 New Palestine drew a 2-6 Muncie Central squad in the opening round. The teams have two common opponents -- NP beat Richmond 29-7 and Pendleton Heights 34-21. Muncie Central fell to PH 65-0 in Week 1, then fell to Richmond 23-19. Bearcats' wins came in Week 2 vs. Muncie South (38-6) and Week 4 vs. New Castle (28-26). The winner faces either Frankfort or Delta. Frankfort is winless, Delta 5-3 on the field and has played really well in recent weeks. Delta's defense found its way in a 12-7 victory over Mt. Vernon last week. NP and Delta would be favored in the first round. If they meet in the second round, it will be at Delta.
Greenfield-Central is much better than its 5-3 record shows -- the Cougars are four points away from being 7-1. The Cougars will face a 3-5 Muncie South team at home in the opening round. G-C would be a favorite on paper. South is 3-5, with wins over Connersville (twice) and Arlington. They have one common opponent. The Rebels also took Yorktown to overtime in Week 1 before falling 27-20. G-C beat Yorktown 23-20 in Week 4. Mt. Vernon will visit Pendleton Heights in a rematch of their Week 5 game. PH won that game 38-6, using a huge 21-point swing in the final four minutes of the opening half, but also using a strong offensive line push. If they advance, G-C would be on the road regardless in the second round, MV would be at home regardless.
Class 4A sectional 13
Muncie Central (2-6) at New Palestine (8-0)
Frankfort (0-8) at Delta (5-3 on the field)
Muncie South (3-5) at Greenfield-Central (5-3)
Mt. Vernon (5-3) at Pendleton Heights (7-1)
Eastern Hancock drew Cambridge City Lincoln in the opening round in a road game. CCL is 6-2. The two teams have two common opponents -- South Decatur and Wes-Del. Both teams are 2-0 against those common foes. CCL scores 37.5 ppg, allows 18.5 ppg. The Golden Eagles' two losses were a 42-27 loss to a strong 2A squad in Centerville and 20-7 last week to Union County.
Class A sectional 37
Indiana Deaf (0-8) at Northeastern (4-4)
Eastern Hancock (2-6) at Cambridge City Lincoln (6-2)
Knightstown (5-3) at Hagerstown (5-3)
Scecina (5-3) at Tri (0-8)
In the Hoosier Heritage ConferenceClass 3A sectional 19 (Yorktown)
Yorktown drew Class 3A #3/4 Eastbrook in its first-round game. Eastbrook is 5-3, but had to forfeit three games. The Tigers know that territory -- they gave one of 3A's top-ranked teams in Hamilton Heights a scare early in the tournament last year, leading the Huskies in the fourth quarter on the road.
Yorktown (4-4) at Eastbrook (8-0 on the field)
Bellmont (3-5) at Blackford (2-6)
Mississinewa (7-1) at Maconaquah (1-7)
Western (6-2) at Peru (0-8)
Class 3A sectional 22 (Rushville)
Rushville is in a very winnable Sectional 22. Only two teams -- Howe and Edgewood -- have winning records. Rushville is 2-0 in non-conference play and showed very well last year in the tournament. The Lions are young, but are battle-tested against a 4A schedule. The rest of the schools in the sectional primarily play in conferences with 3A schools and smaller.
Howe (5-3) at Edgewood (5-3)
Batesville (2-6) at Greensburg (3-5)
Brown County (4-4) at Rushville (2-6)
Beech Grove (0-8) at Indian Creek (4-4)
Class 4A sectional 15 (Shelbyville)
The Golden Bears got a tough draw with the top three teams in the sectional in their half of the bracket. Gunnar Kiel and Columbus East will meet a strong Shelby defense led by Ethan Runnebohm. Winner gets either unbeaten East Central or South Dearborn. The favored matchup would match up two top-five teams in the semifinals.
Richmond (3-5) at Franklin County (5-3)
Connersville (2-6) at New Castle (0-8)
East Central (8-0) at South Dearborn (6-2)
Columbus East (7-1) at Shelbyville (1-7)
In Class 4A's sectional 13, the three Hancock County schools all drew opposite each other. #1/4 New Palestine drew a 2-6 Muncie Central squad in the opening round. The teams have two common opponents -- NP beat Richmond 29-7 and Pendleton Heights 34-21. Muncie Central fell to PH 65-0 in Week 1, then fell to Richmond 23-19. Bearcats' wins came in Week 2 vs. Muncie South (38-6) and Week 4 vs. New Castle (28-26). The winner faces either Frankfort or Delta. Frankfort is winless, Delta 5-3 on the field and has played really well in recent weeks. Delta's defense found its way in a 12-7 victory over Mt. Vernon last week. NP and Delta would be favored in the first round. If they meet in the second round, it will be at Delta.
Greenfield-Central is much better than its 5-3 record shows -- the Cougars are four points away from being 7-1. The Cougars will face a 3-5 Muncie South team at home in the opening round. G-C would be a favorite on paper. South is 3-5, with wins over Connersville (twice) and Arlington. They have one common opponent. The Rebels also took Yorktown to overtime in Week 1 before falling 27-20. G-C beat Yorktown 23-20 in Week 4. Mt. Vernon will visit Pendleton Heights in a rematch of their Week 5 game. PH won that game 38-6, using a huge 21-point swing in the final four minutes of the opening half, but also using a strong offensive line push. If they advance, G-C would be on the road regardless in the second round, MV would be at home regardless.
Class 4A sectional 13
Muncie Central (2-6) at New Palestine (8-0)
Frankfort (0-8) at Delta (5-3 on the field)
Muncie South (3-5) at Greenfield-Central (5-3)
Mt. Vernon (5-3) at Pendleton Heights (7-1)
Eastern Hancock drew Cambridge City Lincoln in the opening round in a road game. CCL is 6-2. The two teams have two common opponents -- South Decatur and Wes-Del. Both teams are 2-0 against those common foes. CCL scores 37.5 ppg, allows 18.5 ppg. The Golden Eagles' two losses were a 42-27 loss to a strong 2A squad in Centerville and 20-7 last week to Union County.
Class A sectional 37
Indiana Deaf (0-8) at Northeastern (4-4)
Eastern Hancock (2-6) at Cambridge City Lincoln (6-2)
Knightstown (5-3) at Hagerstown (5-3)
Scecina (5-3) at Tri (0-8)
In the Hoosier Heritage ConferenceClass 3A sectional 19 (Yorktown)
Yorktown drew Class 3A #3/4 Eastbrook in its first-round game. Eastbrook is 5-3, but had to forfeit three games. The Tigers know that territory -- they gave one of 3A's top-ranked teams in Hamilton Heights a scare early in the tournament last year, leading the Huskies in the fourth quarter on the road.
Yorktown (4-4) at Eastbrook (8-0 on the field)
Bellmont (3-5) at Blackford (2-6)
Mississinewa (7-1) at Maconaquah (1-7)
Western (6-2) at Peru (0-8)
Class 3A sectional 22 (Rushville)
Rushville is in a very winnable Sectional 22. Only two teams -- Howe and Edgewood -- have winning records. Rushville is 2-0 in non-conference play and showed very well last year in the tournament. The Lions are young, but are battle-tested against a 4A schedule. The rest of the schools in the sectional primarily play in conferences with 3A schools and smaller.
Howe (5-3) at Edgewood (5-3)
Batesville (2-6) at Greensburg (3-5)
Brown County (4-4) at Rushville (2-6)
Beech Grove (0-8) at Indian Creek (4-4)
Class 4A sectional 15 (Shelbyville)
The Golden Bears got a tough draw with the top three teams in the sectional in their half of the bracket. Gunnar Kiel and Columbus East will meet a strong Shelby defense led by Ethan Runnebohm. Winner gets either unbeaten East Central or South Dearborn. The favored matchup would match up two top-five teams in the semifinals.
Richmond (3-5) at Franklin County (5-3)
Connersville (2-6) at New Castle (0-8)
East Central (8-0) at South Dearborn (6-2)
Columbus East (7-1) at Shelbyville (1-7)
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Saturday Morning QB: It's down to NP & PH
New Palestine has clinched a piece of the Hoosier Heritage Conference title. Pendleton Heights still has a shot but needs some help from Mt. Vernon, and also needs to beat a pretty good Greenfield-Central team.
Not only that, but those four teams -- plus perennial power Delta -- will all face each other in the next three weeks as they're all part of the same sectional.
New Palestine 21, Greenfield-Central 19: Our game was a wild rivalry game -- coming down to the last on-side kick. Full of big plays, each team had a scoring flurry, three interceptions and a big return. NP's Connor Simmons threw for 238 yards, but the biggest plays came from Scott Lyons with a 91-yard kick return that set up a TD, and from Austin Monday, who had a 33-yard TD to ice it. G-C had two touchdowns in 14 seconds, and a late TD on a 52-yard pass to Josh Applegate, but it turned out to not be enough. NP clinches at least a tie for the HHC title and remains unbeaten on the year. G-C is now 5-3 (4-2).
Broadcast archive | Indianapolis Star | Daily Reporter
Delta 12, Mt. Vernon 7: The Eagles held MV to 109 yards of offense in the game. Ozzie Mann threw TD passes to Jake Greenberg and Landon Lambert to give Delta a 12-0 lead going into the third. Anthony Burnett scored the lone TD for MV, which is now 5-3 and 3-3 in HHC play. Delta is 5-3 on the field (3-5 due to forfeits) and also 3-3, in a two-way tie for fourth place in the conference.
Daily Reporter | Muncie Star-Press roundup
Shenandoah 53, Eastern Hancock 6: The Royals fell behind 16-0 in the opening four minutes and unbeaten Shenandoah led 35-0 at halftime. Logan Gilbert scored a late touchdown for EH, which is now 2-6, against one of Class 2A's top teams. Shenandoah's Dylan Hamm rushed for 172 yards.
Daily Reporter | Muncie Star-Press
Elsewhere in the HHC
Pendleton Heights 69, Rushville 3: The Arabians honored coach John Broughton for his 200th win, and then scored on their first 10 possessions -- including one with the junior varsity offense -- in the victory. It was the second time PH had broken the 60-point mark this year -- also doing so against Muncie Central in Week 1. Clint Nicholson, Jacob Lyons and Jon Furrow all ran for 100 yards. Nicholson had 5 TDs -- including three through the air. PH is 7-1 overall and 5-1 in the conference with a home game next week against Greenfield-Central. The Arabians can win a share of the title with a victory and a New Palestine loss. Rushville is 2-6 (0-6).
Anderson Herald-Bulletin
Yorktown 22, Shelbyville 21: Coach Mike Wilhelm went with a gutsy call late -- going for two after QB Joe Todd scored a TD with 5:44 left -- and converted to give the Tigers their second HHC victory of the year. Brendon Barnes ran for 176 yards for the Tigers (4-4, 2-4). Shelby is 1-7 and 1-5 in the HHC.
Shelbyville News | Muncie Star-Press roundup
HHC standings
#1/4 New Palestine 6-0/8-0
#9/9 Pendleton Heights 5-1/7-1
Greenfield-Central 4-2/5-3
Mt. Vernon 3-3/5-3
Delta 3-3/3-5 (5-3 on the field)
Yorktown 2-4/4-4
Shelbyville 1-5/1-7
Rushville 0-6/2-6
Next week
New Palestine at Mt. Vernon, 7:30 p.m. (broadcast: www.hancockcountysports.com)
Greenfield-Central at Pendleton Heights, 7:30 p.m.
Delta at Shelbyville, 7 p.m.
Yorktown at Rushville, 7 p.m.
MIFC standings
Milan 4-0/7-1
Triton Central 3-1/4-4
Indian Creek 3-1/4-4
North Decatur 2-3/3-5
Eastern Hancock 1-4/2-6
South Decatur 0-4/2-6
Next week
Eastern Hancock at Edinburgh, 7 p.m.
Indian Creek at South Decatur, 7 p.m.
Milan at Triton Central, 7 p.m.
North Decatur at Greensburg, 7 p.m.
*-Milan has clinched a piece of the MIFC title, but a Triton Central victory and an Indian Creek victory next week could forge a 3-way tie.
Not only that, but those four teams -- plus perennial power Delta -- will all face each other in the next three weeks as they're all part of the same sectional.
New Palestine 21, Greenfield-Central 19: Our game was a wild rivalry game -- coming down to the last on-side kick. Full of big plays, each team had a scoring flurry, three interceptions and a big return. NP's Connor Simmons threw for 238 yards, but the biggest plays came from Scott Lyons with a 91-yard kick return that set up a TD, and from Austin Monday, who had a 33-yard TD to ice it. G-C had two touchdowns in 14 seconds, and a late TD on a 52-yard pass to Josh Applegate, but it turned out to not be enough. NP clinches at least a tie for the HHC title and remains unbeaten on the year. G-C is now 5-3 (4-2).
Broadcast archive | Indianapolis Star | Daily Reporter
Delta 12, Mt. Vernon 7: The Eagles held MV to 109 yards of offense in the game. Ozzie Mann threw TD passes to Jake Greenberg and Landon Lambert to give Delta a 12-0 lead going into the third. Anthony Burnett scored the lone TD for MV, which is now 5-3 and 3-3 in HHC play. Delta is 5-3 on the field (3-5 due to forfeits) and also 3-3, in a two-way tie for fourth place in the conference.
Daily Reporter | Muncie Star-Press roundup
Shenandoah 53, Eastern Hancock 6: The Royals fell behind 16-0 in the opening four minutes and unbeaten Shenandoah led 35-0 at halftime. Logan Gilbert scored a late touchdown for EH, which is now 2-6, against one of Class 2A's top teams. Shenandoah's Dylan Hamm rushed for 172 yards.
Daily Reporter | Muncie Star-Press
Elsewhere in the HHC
Pendleton Heights 69, Rushville 3: The Arabians honored coach John Broughton for his 200th win, and then scored on their first 10 possessions -- including one with the junior varsity offense -- in the victory. It was the second time PH had broken the 60-point mark this year -- also doing so against Muncie Central in Week 1. Clint Nicholson, Jacob Lyons and Jon Furrow all ran for 100 yards. Nicholson had 5 TDs -- including three through the air. PH is 7-1 overall and 5-1 in the conference with a home game next week against Greenfield-Central. The Arabians can win a share of the title with a victory and a New Palestine loss. Rushville is 2-6 (0-6).
Anderson Herald-Bulletin
Yorktown 22, Shelbyville 21: Coach Mike Wilhelm went with a gutsy call late -- going for two after QB Joe Todd scored a TD with 5:44 left -- and converted to give the Tigers their second HHC victory of the year. Brendon Barnes ran for 176 yards for the Tigers (4-4, 2-4). Shelby is 1-7 and 1-5 in the HHC.
Shelbyville News | Muncie Star-Press roundup
HHC standings
#1/4 New Palestine 6-0/8-0
#9/9 Pendleton Heights 5-1/7-1
Greenfield-Central 4-2/5-3
Mt. Vernon 3-3/5-3
Delta 3-3/3-5 (5-3 on the field)
Yorktown 2-4/4-4
Shelbyville 1-5/1-7
Rushville 0-6/2-6
Next week
New Palestine at Mt. Vernon, 7:30 p.m. (broadcast: www.hancockcountysports.com)
Greenfield-Central at Pendleton Heights, 7:30 p.m.
Delta at Shelbyville, 7 p.m.
Yorktown at Rushville, 7 p.m.
MIFC standings
Milan 4-0/7-1
Triton Central 3-1/4-4
Indian Creek 3-1/4-4
North Decatur 2-3/3-5
Eastern Hancock 1-4/2-6
South Decatur 0-4/2-6
Next week
Eastern Hancock at Edinburgh, 7 p.m.
Indian Creek at South Decatur, 7 p.m.
Milan at Triton Central, 7 p.m.
North Decatur at Greensburg, 7 p.m.
*-Milan has clinched a piece of the MIFC title, but a Triton Central victory and an Indian Creek victory next week could forge a 3-way tie.
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