Tonight's Game of the Week broadcast saw a real defensive donnybrook between Yorktown and Greenfield-Central that had some big hits and some really big plays and a 28-14 Tiger victory that was much closer than the score indicated.
The teams were impressive defensively tonight. Yorktown used its size to limit G-C's running game, and once the Tigers got ahead, they pinned their ears back on defense and went after Cougar QB Carl Ellison, sacking him four times. The Cougars' defense contained Yorktown's offense in the first half, but the Tigers got stronger as the game went on.
There were really two turning points. G-C scored on its first possession -- largely thanks to a 42-yard run by sophomore Matt Dickerson -- and then recovered a fumble on the Yorktown 11 one play later. But instead of taking a two-score lead, the Cougars fumbled it back to Yorktown on the 1, and the rest of the half was a field-position war. G-C had four takeaways in the first half, but was unable to turn any into points.
The other turning point was in the third quarter, when Yorktown's Brendon Barnes had a long kick return, and then scored on a 16-yard run a few plays later. On G-C's first play, Tiger sophomore Sean Chavez intercepted a screen pass, setting up a TD pass to Cody Smith that suddenly put Yorktown up 14-7. G-C came back, tied the game on a 56-yard TD to Jon White midway through the fourth, but Yorktown's Brett Allison used another long kick return to set up his TD catch to break the tie. Yorktown then salted it away with a fumble return.
G-C's offense relied a lot on the big play, while Yorktown became more consistent as it was able to establish the running game. Tiger junior Derek Kundenreich had most of his 118 yards at halftime, while QB Kyle Weiss was 5-for-7 in the second half. Dickerson was impressive for G-C, totaling 88 yards on the ground.
Now, it's off to Lucas Oil Stadium for a great non-conference matchup between Batesville and New Palestine. 11:30 a.m. airtime on Saturday morning. Listen here.
Elsewhere in the area/HHC
Mt. Vernon 44, Rushville 14: If there was ever any need to wonder if the Marauders were back, tonight was your proof. MV has scored 32, 67 and 44 points in its last three games. Given the offensive prowess of next week's opponent, Pendleton Heights, MV AD Mark Caraway might want to install new light bulbs in the Mt. Vernon Stadium scoreboard.
Milan 36, Eastern Hancock 8: Milan will be a conference foe for the Royals next year. This year's edition of EH has been battling injuries the last couple of weeks and they're rebuilding. Any 0-4 team is looking for a building block. Look no further than a visit from arch-rival Knightstown next week.
Shelbyville 52, Pendleton Heights 29: The Golden Bears and the Arabians do it different ways, but they have developed the reputation as being two of the HHC's premier offenses. Needless to say, a lot of points were put up in Pendleton tonight. That's not a surprise to anyone.
Delta 42, Muncie South 10: The eighth-ranked Eagles keep rolling with an out-of-conference win. Rival Yorktown comes to town next week.
HHC standings
Delta 2-0/4-0
Shelbyville 2-0/4-0
Mt. Vernon 2-0/3-1
Yorktown 2-1/3-1
New Palestine 1-1/2-1 (playing today vs. Batesville)
Pendleton Heights 1-3/1-3
Rushville 0-2/1-3
Greenfield-Central 0-3/1-3
Looking ahead
After today's game between the Dragons and Batesville, it's back to conference play for the entire league next Friday night.
Pendleton Heights at Mt. Vernon, 7:30 p.m. (GID Game of the Week)
Rushville at New Palestine, 7:30 p.m.
Shelbyville at Greenfield-Central, 7:30 p.m.
Yorktown at Delta, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Saturday game preview: New Palestine vs. Batesville
We have a doubleheader this weekend. Friday's Greenfield-Central at Yorktown game and the other HHC/area games are previewed below. On Saturday, we have some bonus coverage, as the Game of the Week travels to Lucas Oil Stadium to bring you New Palestine vs. Batesville. Click here to listen to our broadcast.
TGD Hancock County Game of the Week on Saturday
New Palestine (2-1) vs. Batesville (3-0) at Lucas Oil Stadium
Pregame 11:30 a.m., Kickoff Noon; Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009
Hear it here at Audio Sports Online.
The coaches:
NP: Tim Able (1st year at NP, 2-1; 18th year overall, 97-93)
Batesville: Eric Heppner (14th year at Batesville, 97-58)
The series: NP won 30-13 last season and has won two in a row in the series. Since these teams began, the Dragons have won four of six meetings. The 2007 game was a 7-6 NP victory. This is always a pretty good non-conference matchup between two pretty evenly-matched teams that have a lot of respect for each other.
Scouting the Dragons: The Dragons are coming off an impressive 49-14 victory over Pendleton Heights in which they ran for 440 yards, threw for 103 more and scored on seven of their first eight possessions. The FieldTurf at Lucas Oil Stadium should benefit a team that has a lot of speed -- most notably coming from senior WR/RB/FS Pat Feeney. He had 200+ yards rushing and 100+ receiving last week, including 3 touchdowns. He has five TDs total and is averaging 160 yards per game from scrimmage. On defense, he has four interceptions and has a pick in all of the Dragons' games so far. The Dragons have a lot of balance -- senior QB Cary Albrecht has thrown for 234 yards and run for 117 so far -- and RBs Austin Cahoy, Brett Jackson, Michael Phelps and Bryce Pierson will all touch the ball. Cahoy had a big game last week against PH. NP's defense clamped down against the run last week, holding PH to 87 rushing yards. They'll have to again against a Batesville team that likes to keep the ball on the ground. Pierson and LB Chris Poland lead the team in tackles. Last week, NP's defense produced four takeaways, all interceptions. While a lot of teams are getting a new look at Lucas Oil Stadium this week, this will be the Dragons' second trip to the home of the Indianapolis Colts. They helped inaugurate the stadium by playing on the facility's opening night last year -- a 33-12 loss to Whiteland in the 2008 season opener. NP will also play in Lucas Oil on Oct. 10 against Greenfield-Central.
Scouting the Bulldogs: Batesville has rolled through its first three games, scoring an average of 34 points per game. One of those was against 5A Jennings County. The Bulldogs have also beaten Milan and South Dearborn on the season. The Bulldogs are one of the premier 3A teams in southeastern Indiana, going 70-31 from 2001-08 (including a 5-5 mark last season) and winning six straight sectionals in that time. Batesville will employ two different offensive setups, but both will be run-oriented -- the Wing-T is the base offense, but the Bulldogs will throw in some single-wing. Last year, they had a lot of success running the latter against NP. Senior QB Connor Kelley is a run-pass threat. In the win over Milan, he therw for nearly 200 yards. Against Jennings County, he ran and threw for more than 100. His favorite receiver is tight end Tom Jeffers, who opened the year with a 117-yard receiving game against Jennings County. The guys who usually touch it in the backfield are halfback Chris Miller and fullback Brigham Patterson, both of whom were key players for the Bulldogs last season. In this game, don't expect a lot of passing -- both of these teams love to run the ball and have the horses to do so.
TGD Hancock County Game of the Week on Saturday
New Palestine (2-1) vs. Batesville (3-0) at Lucas Oil Stadium
Pregame 11:30 a.m., Kickoff Noon; Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009
Hear it here at Audio Sports Online.
The coaches:
NP: Tim Able (1st year at NP, 2-1; 18th year overall, 97-93)
Batesville: Eric Heppner (14th year at Batesville, 97-58)
The series: NP won 30-13 last season and has won two in a row in the series. Since these teams began, the Dragons have won four of six meetings. The 2007 game was a 7-6 NP victory. This is always a pretty good non-conference matchup between two pretty evenly-matched teams that have a lot of respect for each other.
Scouting the Dragons: The Dragons are coming off an impressive 49-14 victory over Pendleton Heights in which they ran for 440 yards, threw for 103 more and scored on seven of their first eight possessions. The FieldTurf at Lucas Oil Stadium should benefit a team that has a lot of speed -- most notably coming from senior WR/RB/FS Pat Feeney. He had 200+ yards rushing and 100+ receiving last week, including 3 touchdowns. He has five TDs total and is averaging 160 yards per game from scrimmage. On defense, he has four interceptions and has a pick in all of the Dragons' games so far. The Dragons have a lot of balance -- senior QB Cary Albrecht has thrown for 234 yards and run for 117 so far -- and RBs Austin Cahoy, Brett Jackson, Michael Phelps and Bryce Pierson will all touch the ball. Cahoy had a big game last week against PH. NP's defense clamped down against the run last week, holding PH to 87 rushing yards. They'll have to again against a Batesville team that likes to keep the ball on the ground. Pierson and LB Chris Poland lead the team in tackles. Last week, NP's defense produced four takeaways, all interceptions. While a lot of teams are getting a new look at Lucas Oil Stadium this week, this will be the Dragons' second trip to the home of the Indianapolis Colts. They helped inaugurate the stadium by playing on the facility's opening night last year -- a 33-12 loss to Whiteland in the 2008 season opener. NP will also play in Lucas Oil on Oct. 10 against Greenfield-Central.
Scouting the Bulldogs: Batesville has rolled through its first three games, scoring an average of 34 points per game. One of those was against 5A Jennings County. The Bulldogs have also beaten Milan and South Dearborn on the season. The Bulldogs are one of the premier 3A teams in southeastern Indiana, going 70-31 from 2001-08 (including a 5-5 mark last season) and winning six straight sectionals in that time. Batesville will employ two different offensive setups, but both will be run-oriented -- the Wing-T is the base offense, but the Bulldogs will throw in some single-wing. Last year, they had a lot of success running the latter against NP. Senior QB Connor Kelley is a run-pass threat. In the win over Milan, he therw for nearly 200 yards. Against Jennings County, he ran and threw for more than 100. His favorite receiver is tight end Tom Jeffers, who opened the year with a 117-yard receiving game against Jennings County. The guys who usually touch it in the backfield are halfback Chris Miller and fullback Brigham Patterson, both of whom were key players for the Bulldogs last season. In this game, don't expect a lot of passing -- both of these teams love to run the ball and have the horses to do so.
Myself, Jim Ryan and Tim Adams will have the call. Make sure to listen to what will be a great high school football game ... Saturday morning at 11:30 a.m.
While you're at it, make sure you check out Pak-Rite Rentals. If you own a business, they've got the container or trash compactor to suit you. Call them at 861-5537. Also, we want to welcome Batesville's State Farm Insurance and Paul Ehrman to our team this weekend. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Friday Game of the Week preview: G-C at Yorktown
On Friday night, Jim Ryan and myself will be making the trek to Yorktown for a visit from the Greenfield-Central Cougars. If you can't make the trip, we'd invite you to listen to our broadcast.
The game is the first of our weekend doubleheader. On Saturday, we'll bring you the New Palestine Dragons and Batesville Bulldogs from Lucas Oil Stadium. We'll preview that game tomorrow. Let's preview our first game tonight. (if you want the rest of the Hancock County & HHC games, read the post below).
TGD Hancock County Game of the Week
Greenfield-Central (1-2/0-2) at Yorktown (2-1/1-1)
Pregame 7 p.m., Kickoff 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, 2009
Hear it here at Audio Sports Online.
The coaches:
G-C: Roger Dodson (4th year at G-C, 10-24; 16th year overall, 74-83)
Yorktown: Mike Wilhelm (5th year at Yorktown, 26-20)
Last season: Yorktown won 28-7.
The series: Yorktown has won six straight games in the series and is 8-2 since the two teams began playing each other in 1999 (when YHS joined the HHC).
Scouting the Cougars: The Cougars started off very well against New Castle, but have struggled in their first two weeks of conference play, being outscored 63-3 by Pendleton Heights and Delta. Coach Dodson's team has a lot of numbers out and a very experienced receiving corps led by Michael Dickerson, who has 113 yards receiving in three games. John White, Ethan Irbe and Kevin Bordenkircher all have experience in the passing game. They've split between two quarterbacks -- Carl Ellison and Trent Colclazier. Both are 11-for-26 on the year. While Brady Conger (104 yards vs. New Castle) is the top running back, wingbacks/wideouts White and Dickerson are among a handful of players who will carry the ball. The Cougars will be looking to tighten their defense against the run, as they have allowed at least 200 yards on the ground each week so far. The Cougars are hoping they turn a corner this year, as they've come off back-to-back 4-win seasons -- close to reaching the .500 mark for the first time since their 2002 HHC championship team.
Scouting the Tigers: Yorktown has been involved in shutouts the last two weeks -- on opposite ends. After a 32-0 loss to Mt. Vernon in which little seemed to go right, the Tigers did all of the scoring in last week's 16-0 victory over county rival Muncie South. Against MV, the stats were closer than the score, as Yorktown drove into MV territory multiple times, but came away emptyhanded, and then gave up some big plays that led to Marauder points. Last week, it was the Tigers doing all of the big playmaking, as they sacked Muncie South's QB several times. DE Joe Journay tied a school record with five sacks in the game. Yorktown likes to run the ball, and the feature back is junior RB Derek Kundenreich. He was a 1,500-yard rusher last season, and he hit the 100-yard mark for the second time this season last week. Speedy wingback/slot Brendon Barnes is the big-play guy. He had a 16-yard TD catch and a 34-yard reception to set up another score last week against Muncie South. Yorktown's D held Muncie South to 18 yards rushing last week. The Tigers have several players going both ways, led by 6-7, 275-pound lineman Kevin Ellis.
We're looking forward to bringing you this game ... 7 p.m. Friday night, as Jim Ryan and I bring you the Gridiron Digest Game of the Week.
Also, we like to spotlight our sponsors, and we'll invite you to enjoy the many services offered by Hancock Telecom. Hancock Telecom offers digital TV, phone, high-speed Internet and super-fast fiber-to-your-home connections. They also offer a locally-based home security solution. To check for availability of services in your area, call 317-326-3131 or visit www.teamhancock.com.
The game is the first of our weekend doubleheader. On Saturday, we'll bring you the New Palestine Dragons and Batesville Bulldogs from Lucas Oil Stadium. We'll preview that game tomorrow. Let's preview our first game tonight. (if you want the rest of the Hancock County & HHC games, read the post below).
TGD Hancock County Game of the Week
Greenfield-Central (1-2/0-2) at Yorktown (2-1/1-1)
Pregame 7 p.m., Kickoff 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, 2009
Hear it here at Audio Sports Online.
The coaches:
G-C: Roger Dodson (4th year at G-C, 10-24; 16th year overall, 74-83)
Yorktown: Mike Wilhelm (5th year at Yorktown, 26-20)
Last season: Yorktown won 28-7.
The series: Yorktown has won six straight games in the series and is 8-2 since the two teams began playing each other in 1999 (when YHS joined the HHC).
Scouting the Cougars: The Cougars started off very well against New Castle, but have struggled in their first two weeks of conference play, being outscored 63-3 by Pendleton Heights and Delta. Coach Dodson's team has a lot of numbers out and a very experienced receiving corps led by Michael Dickerson, who has 113 yards receiving in three games. John White, Ethan Irbe and Kevin Bordenkircher all have experience in the passing game. They've split between two quarterbacks -- Carl Ellison and Trent Colclazier. Both are 11-for-26 on the year. While Brady Conger (104 yards vs. New Castle) is the top running back, wingbacks/wideouts White and Dickerson are among a handful of players who will carry the ball. The Cougars will be looking to tighten their defense against the run, as they have allowed at least 200 yards on the ground each week so far. The Cougars are hoping they turn a corner this year, as they've come off back-to-back 4-win seasons -- close to reaching the .500 mark for the first time since their 2002 HHC championship team.
Scouting the Tigers: Yorktown has been involved in shutouts the last two weeks -- on opposite ends. After a 32-0 loss to Mt. Vernon in which little seemed to go right, the Tigers did all of the scoring in last week's 16-0 victory over county rival Muncie South. Against MV, the stats were closer than the score, as Yorktown drove into MV territory multiple times, but came away emptyhanded, and then gave up some big plays that led to Marauder points. Last week, it was the Tigers doing all of the big playmaking, as they sacked Muncie South's QB several times. DE Joe Journay tied a school record with five sacks in the game. Yorktown likes to run the ball, and the feature back is junior RB Derek Kundenreich. He was a 1,500-yard rusher last season, and he hit the 100-yard mark for the second time this season last week. Speedy wingback/slot Brendon Barnes is the big-play guy. He had a 16-yard TD catch and a 34-yard reception to set up another score last week against Muncie South. Yorktown's D held Muncie South to 18 yards rushing last week. The Tigers have several players going both ways, led by 6-7, 275-pound lineman Kevin Ellis.
We're looking forward to bringing you this game ... 7 p.m. Friday night, as Jim Ryan and I bring you the Gridiron Digest Game of the Week.
Also, we like to spotlight our sponsors, and we'll invite you to enjoy the many services offered by Hancock Telecom. Hancock Telecom offers digital TV, phone, high-speed Internet and super-fast fiber-to-your-home connections. They also offer a locally-based home security solution. To check for availability of services in your area, call 317-326-3131 or visit www.teamhancock.com.
Big week for CCSN & the HHC
This week is a big one for us at CCSN, as we have a doubleheader weekend for you of LIVE HHC football.
Anyway, we usually use this space to preview the game we're going to be broadcasting and the rest of the HHC and Hancock County, but we're going to do that in separate posts this week, because we have two broadcast games.
So, for our first entry, we have the overall HHC preview:
Standings
Delta 2-0/3-0
Shelbyville 1-0/3-0
Mt. Vernon 1-0/2-1
New Palestine 1-1/2-1
Yorktown 1-1/2-1
Pendleton Heights 1-2/1-2
Rushville 0-1/1-2
Greenfield-Central 0-2/1-2
This week's games
Keep reading throughout the week for previews of our two Gridiron Digest Games of the Week!
- Friday night, we have Greenfield-Central @ Yorktown at 7 p.m.
- Saturday morning, we'll bring you New Palestine vs. Batesville at 11:30 a.m. from Lucas Oil Stadium.
Anyway, we usually use this space to preview the game we're going to be broadcasting and the rest of the HHC and Hancock County, but we're going to do that in separate posts this week, because we have two broadcast games.
So, for our first entry, we have the overall HHC preview:
Standings
Delta 2-0/3-0
Shelbyville 1-0/3-0
Mt. Vernon 1-0/2-1
New Palestine 1-1/2-1
Yorktown 1-1/2-1
Pendleton Heights 1-2/1-2
Rushville 0-1/1-2
Greenfield-Central 0-2/1-2
This week's games
- GID Game of the Week: Greenfield-Central at Yorktown
- Friday, Sept. 11: Broadcast: 7 p.m.
- GID Game of the Week from Lucas Oil Stadium: New Palestine vs. Batesville
- Saturday, Sept. 12: Broadcast 11:30 a.m.
- Listen to both games here. Andrew Smith, Jim Ryan and (on Saturday) Tim Adams on the call!
- Previews to be forthcoming.
- Mt. Vernon (1-0/2-1) at Rushville (0-1/1-2), 7 p.m.: These teams have a common nonconference foe in Connersville, a team MV rolled 67 points upon last week. The Marauders' Wing-T offense has amassed 99 points in two games and has been very effective. MV also got something in its special teams, as super-fast return man Corey White ran the opening kickoff back 92 yarsd for a TD. Austin Parker threw for 3 TDs and ran for one against Connersville, and MV amassed 619 yards of total offense -- 500 on the ground. For the third straight week, Zach McKinney just missed a 100-yard game. And for the second straight week, Trey Ross hit the mark. Evan Whalen also broke the century mark on the night. Rushville is coming off a 25-14 loss to Greensburg. The Lions are scoring (24.3 ppg), but they're allowing 30 ppg. The Lions led 14-0 last week at one point, with Stephen Davis running the opening kickoff back for a TD and Dustin Gilbert later scoring one on the ground, but Greensburg rallied to win. Rushville won 35-3 last year, but MV had won 11 straight in the series prior to that.
- Eastern Hancock (0-3) at Milan (2-1), 7 p.m.: The Royals an an ouch game last week in a few different ways. EH fell 66-0 to a solid 3A Indian Creek squad, but the Royals also were pretty banged-up, and became moreso during the game. EH managed 131 yards of total offense, most of which came through the air. Freshman Sam Novick had 60 yards on the ground, while QB Steven Stunda threw for 74, spreading it around to five different receivers. Milan poses another tough test this week, as the Indians are 2-1 after thumping Lawrenceburg 34-14 last week. The only loss came in a solidly-played game against Ripley County neighbor Batesville. This is the revival of a series that ended in 2000. This game is back on the schedule in advance of the Royals joining the Mid-Indiana Football Conference next year.
- Shelbyville (3-0/1-0) at Pendleton Heights (1-2/1-2), 7:30 p.m.: The Golden Bears have been impressive so far this season in their three wins, the most recent a 45-7 thumping of Franklin. The Bears have totaled 40.3 ppg in their three games so far. QB Kevin Prosch and RBs Patrick Ellis, Jake Knight and Dominique Cox all have big-play potential. Last week, both Knight and Cox hit the 100-yard mark. Shelby's defense held Franklin under 100 yards, too, and has held teams to 10 ppg on the year. This could be a running vs. passing show. PH came out throwing last week against New Palestine, and hit FB Ravaughn White for a 71-yard TD on a screen pass early in the game, but the Arabians' defense struggled against NP's speed in a 49-14 loss. White totaled 150 yards rushing and receiving for the Arabians, while quarterbacks Grant Hendershot and Mitch Patishall combined to throw for 188 yards. A year ago, Shelby won 42-7 and the Bears have won six straight in the series. On the field, Shelbyville is 37-14 in HHC games since 2002.
- Muncie South (2-1) at Delta (3-0), 7 p.m.: Delta has been impressive so far, and the Eagles play another neighbor in Muncie South. South was rolling until hitting a speed bump against Yorktown last week -- falling 16-0, in large part due to a number of sacks by the Tigers. The Rebels like to throw -- QB Nick Dyer attempted 40 passes and completed 16 last week. However, they'll be doing it against a defense that has been smothering of late. Delta hasn't allowed a touchdown in eight quarters, shutting out New Palestine two weeks ago and holding Greenfield-Central to a field goal last week. Meanwhile, the Eagles have scored 56, 23 and 35 points in their three games. RB Teddy Dawson has rolled up three 100-yard games in a row, with 193 and a TD last week. QB Ozzie Mann completed 13-of-25 for 156 yards against G-C, while he has one of the HHC's top targets in IU recruit Logan Young, who totaled 107 yards through the air last week. Delta coach Grant Zgunda earned his 150th career victory last week. His teams have posted a 150-35 record over 17 years.
Keep reading throughout the week for previews of our two Gridiron Digest Games of the Week!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Week 3 redux: Feeney puts on show for Dragons
The first quarter looked like we had an offensive show on our hands tonight.
Instead, we witnessed the Pat Feeney show. New Palestine's senior back/receiver/kick returner/interception machine put together one of the most dominant individual halves of football I've seen in some time. He had 312 yards from scrimmage, three touchdowns, an interception and even got his state runner-up ring from track and field on the same night. And he only played one offensive snap in the second half in the Dragons' 49-14 win over Pendleton Heights.
NP put on an offensive show throughout the night. On the opening drive, it was a methodical march down the field -- 12 plays, 61 yards. Feeney had carries of 5, 15 and 13 yards before Cary Albrecht snuck in from a foot out. Feeney nearly had an interception for a TD on PH's first drive, but after a punt, he turned on the jets and broke 80 yards for a score. After he picked off a pass, he caught a 39-yard pass from Albrecht for a TD, and finished the half with a 60-yard catch where he won a jump ball, bounced off the defensive back and ran the last few yards for a score.
He rushed eight times for 209 yards -- four of his touches were for more than 20. Also had 3 receptions for 103 yards. About the only thing he didn't do was sell popcorn.
And he wasn't the only Dragon to have a big night. Tim Able told us before the game he was hoping for FB/LB Austin Cahoy to have a big night, and he ended up with 85 yards on seven carries and a TD. Brett Jackson had a TD, an interception and a 76-yard kickoff return. Bryce Pierson and Nathan Penley also had picks. Albrecht had 2 TDs running and 2 more throwing. NP had 543 yards of offense, 4 takeaways on defense and was, needless to say, impressive.
We thought this might sort out the HHC race a little bit, and it instead turned into a big statement for the Dragons. PH had some bright spots -- RB Ravaughn White had 74 rushing and 76 receiving yards, including a 71-yard touchdown catch on a screen where he outran everybody. QBs Grant Hendershot and Mitch Patishall combined to throw for 188 yards, and they moved the ball on their four second-half possessions, largely through the air. LB James Main seemed to be in the mix on several tackles. PH will score points this season, but the Arabians had no answer for NP's speed on this night.
It was a very impressive performance by the Dragons, who are now 2-1. Their Week 1 win over Whiteland was made a bit more impressive tonight when the Warriors had 4A No. 7 Plainfield on the ropes. The Quakers won 7-3, but had to score in the final two minutes to win. NP has another tough game next week, facing unbeaten Batesville in Lucas Oil Stadium. PH is now 1-2, and has an unbeaten Shelbyville team coming in next week.
Elsewhere in Hancock County
Delta 35, Greenfield-Central 3: Delta coach Grant Zgunda gets his 150th career victory tonight, spoiling the christening of Clayton Myers Field. Delta has given up one touchdown in three games, outscoring its opponents 114-9. This was the only other conference game tonight.
Mt. Vernon 67, Connersville 20: The Marauders have their biggest offensive night since 1997 and improve to 2-1 on the year. I'll be interested to see the Marauders' offensive numbers from this one. MV continues to impress and will be in the mix for the upper division of the HHC. That's two big offensive nights in a row, with a trip to Rushville ahead next week.
Indian Creek 66, Eastern Hancock 0: There was a chance this could happen, as IC may have one of its best teams in a long time (they're 3-0 and they doubled up Greenwood last week), while EH has been struggling of late. The Royals travel to face an improved Milan team next week.
In the rest of the HHC
Shelbyville 45, Franklin 7: Another impressive win for the Golden Bears. They're now 3-0 and appear to be able to score points and roll up yards in bunches. They appear to be the top challenger to Delta for HHC supremacy right now, which isn't a huge surprise, given the two teams have been the top two in the conference the last two seasons.
Greensburg 25, Rushville 14: This score was a bit of a surprise, as Greensburg was winless. Rushville was licking its wounds a bit from the defeat to Shelbyville, but the Lions have struggled a bit the last two weeks. They have MV and NP the next two weeks.
Yorktown 16, Muncie South 0: The Tigers do a nice job of bouncing back from last week's shutout by posting one of their own. Yorktown off to a 2-1 start heading into next week's home game against Greenfield-Central.
HHC standings
Delta 2-0/3-0
Shelbyville 1-0/3-0
Mt. Vernon 1-0/2-1
New Palestine 1-1/2-1
Yorktown 1-1/2-1
Pendleton Heights 1-2/1-2
Rushville 0-1/1-2
Greenfield-Central 0-2/1-2
Next week's Hancock County games (all games Friday, Sept. 11 unless noted)
Greenfield-Central at Yorktown, 7:30 p.m. (GID Game of the Week: 7 p.m. pregame show)
New Palestine vs. Batesville, noon Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium (GID Game of the Week: 11:30 a.m. pregame show)
Mt. Vernon at Rushville, 7 p.m.
Eastern Hancock at Milan, 7 p.m.
Next week's other HHC games
Delta at Muncie South, 7 p.m.
Shelbyville at Pendleton Heights, 7:30 p.m.
Instead, we witnessed the Pat Feeney show. New Palestine's senior back/receiver/kick returner/interception machine put together one of the most dominant individual halves of football I've seen in some time. He had 312 yards from scrimmage, three touchdowns, an interception and even got his state runner-up ring from track and field on the same night. And he only played one offensive snap in the second half in the Dragons' 49-14 win over Pendleton Heights.
NP put on an offensive show throughout the night. On the opening drive, it was a methodical march down the field -- 12 plays, 61 yards. Feeney had carries of 5, 15 and 13 yards before Cary Albrecht snuck in from a foot out. Feeney nearly had an interception for a TD on PH's first drive, but after a punt, he turned on the jets and broke 80 yards for a score. After he picked off a pass, he caught a 39-yard pass from Albrecht for a TD, and finished the half with a 60-yard catch where he won a jump ball, bounced off the defensive back and ran the last few yards for a score.
He rushed eight times for 209 yards -- four of his touches were for more than 20. Also had 3 receptions for 103 yards. About the only thing he didn't do was sell popcorn.
And he wasn't the only Dragon to have a big night. Tim Able told us before the game he was hoping for FB/LB Austin Cahoy to have a big night, and he ended up with 85 yards on seven carries and a TD. Brett Jackson had a TD, an interception and a 76-yard kickoff return. Bryce Pierson and Nathan Penley also had picks. Albrecht had 2 TDs running and 2 more throwing. NP had 543 yards of offense, 4 takeaways on defense and was, needless to say, impressive.
We thought this might sort out the HHC race a little bit, and it instead turned into a big statement for the Dragons. PH had some bright spots -- RB Ravaughn White had 74 rushing and 76 receiving yards, including a 71-yard touchdown catch on a screen where he outran everybody. QBs Grant Hendershot and Mitch Patishall combined to throw for 188 yards, and they moved the ball on their four second-half possessions, largely through the air. LB James Main seemed to be in the mix on several tackles. PH will score points this season, but the Arabians had no answer for NP's speed on this night.
It was a very impressive performance by the Dragons, who are now 2-1. Their Week 1 win over Whiteland was made a bit more impressive tonight when the Warriors had 4A No. 7 Plainfield on the ropes. The Quakers won 7-3, but had to score in the final two minutes to win. NP has another tough game next week, facing unbeaten Batesville in Lucas Oil Stadium. PH is now 1-2, and has an unbeaten Shelbyville team coming in next week.
Elsewhere in Hancock County
Delta 35, Greenfield-Central 3: Delta coach Grant Zgunda gets his 150th career victory tonight, spoiling the christening of Clayton Myers Field. Delta has given up one touchdown in three games, outscoring its opponents 114-9. This was the only other conference game tonight.
Mt. Vernon 67, Connersville 20: The Marauders have their biggest offensive night since 1997 and improve to 2-1 on the year. I'll be interested to see the Marauders' offensive numbers from this one. MV continues to impress and will be in the mix for the upper division of the HHC. That's two big offensive nights in a row, with a trip to Rushville ahead next week.
Indian Creek 66, Eastern Hancock 0: There was a chance this could happen, as IC may have one of its best teams in a long time (they're 3-0 and they doubled up Greenwood last week), while EH has been struggling of late. The Royals travel to face an improved Milan team next week.
In the rest of the HHC
Shelbyville 45, Franklin 7: Another impressive win for the Golden Bears. They're now 3-0 and appear to be able to score points and roll up yards in bunches. They appear to be the top challenger to Delta for HHC supremacy right now, which isn't a huge surprise, given the two teams have been the top two in the conference the last two seasons.
Greensburg 25, Rushville 14: This score was a bit of a surprise, as Greensburg was winless. Rushville was licking its wounds a bit from the defeat to Shelbyville, but the Lions have struggled a bit the last two weeks. They have MV and NP the next two weeks.
Yorktown 16, Muncie South 0: The Tigers do a nice job of bouncing back from last week's shutout by posting one of their own. Yorktown off to a 2-1 start heading into next week's home game against Greenfield-Central.
HHC standings
Delta 2-0/3-0
Shelbyville 1-0/3-0
Mt. Vernon 1-0/2-1
New Palestine 1-1/2-1
Yorktown 1-1/2-1
Pendleton Heights 1-2/1-2
Rushville 0-1/1-2
Greenfield-Central 0-2/1-2
Next week's Hancock County games (all games Friday, Sept. 11 unless noted)
Greenfield-Central at Yorktown, 7:30 p.m. (GID Game of the Week: 7 p.m. pregame show)
New Palestine vs. Batesville, noon Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium (GID Game of the Week: 11:30 a.m. pregame show)
Mt. Vernon at Rushville, 7 p.m.
Eastern Hancock at Milan, 7 p.m.
Next week's other HHC games
Delta at Muncie South, 7 p.m.
Shelbyville at Pendleton Heights, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
It's almost kickoff
We're just a few hours from seeing the lights turned on across the state, but this week, there will be one big event at a local game that should garner a lot of attention -- Greenfield-Central is renaming the field at Cougar Stadium for longtime coach Clayton Myers.
Thirty-six years ago, on a cold November night, that field saw one of the highlights of G-C's athletic history -- Myers' Cougars defeating Blackford 21-12 to win the first-ever IHSAA Class 2A football title.
It was 1973. Nobody really knew what playoff football would be like -- after all, for all of its history, IHSAA teams played their 10 regular-season games and then let the pollsters determine a champion, much like the collegians do now. There were fake punts, teams going for it on fourth down, and all sorts of interesting things going on. Nobody wanted to flinch. The Cougars got a couple of big plays and managed to walk away with the big trophy.
Myers was the coach at Greenfield High School before the school merged with Hancock Central in 1969, and then had to shepherd the program through the always-difficult part of merging players what had been two rival programs and two rival communities into one. The 1973-74 senior class was the second to go all the way through the newly-consolidated school, and left quite a stamp. Two years later, G-C would return to the title game, but would fall to Mishawaka Marian.
Myers has left a large legacy. Many of his former players had sons play for the Cougars. A handful went into coaching -- including state champion coach Sherwood Haydock of Harding. Myers was very well-respected by his players and peers at G-C and is receiving an honor this weekend that is very, very due him.
The spoils are still there -- a framed team photo and a golden football on a base sitting in a small trophy case near G-C's gymnasium, a worn football with the 21-12 score etched into the side, remembering a night when the stadium was ringed with bleachers, the local TV stations descended on Greenfield, and the Cougars delivered the first IHSAA championship of any kind to Hancock County. We've seen success since elsewhere in the county -- Eastern Hancock won the Class A title in 1985, New Palestine was the 3A runner-up five years later -- and in other sports, where all four county schools have won at least one IHSAA title in their histories.
But the field where it all happened will help us remember those teams -- Clayton Myers Field.
The Cougars' game against HHC leader Delta begins at 7:30 p.m.
You can also enjoy the CCSN GID Game of the Week: Pendleton Heights at New Palestine, also at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Pregame coverage at 7 here.
Thirty-six years ago, on a cold November night, that field saw one of the highlights of G-C's athletic history -- Myers' Cougars defeating Blackford 21-12 to win the first-ever IHSAA Class 2A football title.
It was 1973. Nobody really knew what playoff football would be like -- after all, for all of its history, IHSAA teams played their 10 regular-season games and then let the pollsters determine a champion, much like the collegians do now. There were fake punts, teams going for it on fourth down, and all sorts of interesting things going on. Nobody wanted to flinch. The Cougars got a couple of big plays and managed to walk away with the big trophy.
Myers was the coach at Greenfield High School before the school merged with Hancock Central in 1969, and then had to shepherd the program through the always-difficult part of merging players what had been two rival programs and two rival communities into one. The 1973-74 senior class was the second to go all the way through the newly-consolidated school, and left quite a stamp. Two years later, G-C would return to the title game, but would fall to Mishawaka Marian.
Myers has left a large legacy. Many of his former players had sons play for the Cougars. A handful went into coaching -- including state champion coach Sherwood Haydock of Harding. Myers was very well-respected by his players and peers at G-C and is receiving an honor this weekend that is very, very due him.
The spoils are still there -- a framed team photo and a golden football on a base sitting in a small trophy case near G-C's gymnasium, a worn football with the 21-12 score etched into the side, remembering a night when the stadium was ringed with bleachers, the local TV stations descended on Greenfield, and the Cougars delivered the first IHSAA championship of any kind to Hancock County. We've seen success since elsewhere in the county -- Eastern Hancock won the Class A title in 1985, New Palestine was the 3A runner-up five years later -- and in other sports, where all four county schools have won at least one IHSAA title in their histories.
But the field where it all happened will help us remember those teams -- Clayton Myers Field.
The Cougars' game against HHC leader Delta begins at 7:30 p.m.
You can also enjoy the CCSN GID Game of the Week: Pendleton Heights at New Palestine, also at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Pregame coverage at 7 here.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Week 3 preview: Game of the Week & more
We've got an interesting week. After last week's sorting-out, half of the HHC is playing conference games -- the half includes two of the three Hancock County schools. The other half is stepping out of conference before diving back in next week.
We've already rehashed last week: Delta appears to be the creme de la creme of the HHC, while there's a mad dash for the rest of the league that will sort itself out over time. The most intriguing matchup of the week is the one we'll have as our Gridirion Digest Game of the Week. So, let's preview it.
TGD Hancock County Game of the Week
Pendleton Heights (1-1, 1-1) at New Palestine (1-1, 0-1)
Pregame 7 p.m., Kickoff 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, 2009
Hear it here at Audio Sports Online.
The coaches:
PH: John Broughton (34th year at PH, 183-151)
NP: Tim Able (1st year at NP, 1-1; 18th year overall, 96-93)
Last season: NP won 27-24 in overtime.
The series: It's been one of streaks. Since the HHC's formation in 1994, PH holds an 8-7 edge. NP won the first, then PH won eight straight from 1995-2002. NP has won six consecutive games since 2003.
Scouting the Arabians: PH is coming off an impressive 28-0 victory over Greenfield-Central, which was the Arabians' first shutout since the 2004 sectional. The Arabians are one play away from being 2-0 on the young season. With nine offensive starters back, they're scoring some points. QB Grant Hendershot threw for 1,560 yards last year and has completed 57% of his passes this season. Fullback Ravaughn White is a strong double-threat, as he is PH's leading rusher and receiver. He had 124 yards from scrimmage and 2 TDs against G-C, and had a 91-yard KOR for a touchdown against Yorktown. Jacob Jewell, last year's leading receiver, is part of a fairly experienced corps on that side of the ball. HB Tyler Larkin has been strong so far as a running threat. On defense, PH is running its traditional 4-4, with LBs Pat Butler & James Main the leading tacklers.
Scouting the Dragons: NP was on the other end of a shutout last week -- falling 23-0 to a loaded Delta squad. The Dragons did get through their brutal 1-2 step to start the year with a victory in Week 1 over Whiteland. And, like PH, the Dragons have a lot of familiar faces on both sides of the ball, including a resurgent Pat Feeney. Last week, the senior RB/S nabbed his second and third interceptions of the year. He had 44 yards from scrimmage last week after totaling 137 and 2 TDs against Whiteland. Like their foes this week, the Dragons will seek balance, although they tend to feature the run. Five different backs ran for 139 yards against Delta. The leading rusher is Brett Jackson, who had 60 yards last week and has 83 for the season. QB Cary Albrecht has run for 79 yards, and also has thrown for 143, in the two games. The Dragons' 3-4 defense is very aggressive, and has faced two outstanding backs in Whiteland's Drew Smyth and Delta's Teddy Dawson, both of whom have totaled 100+ yards in the first two weeks.
This game will likely be very pivotal in determining HHC position. Listen to Jim Ryan and myself for the broadcast at 7 p.m. Friday.
Other Hancock County games
Delta (2-0, 1-0) at Greenfield-Central (1-1, 0-1), 7:30 p.m.: G-C is renaming its field for Hall of Fame coach Clayton Myers, who led the Cougars to the Class 2A title in 1973 and a 2A runner-up in 1975. That alone will make it an interesting night, but it's a tough game for G-C to bounce back from a difficult loss. Delta may have one of its best teams in a long time this season, as QB Ozzie Mann continues a long line of strong Eagle QBs, and he has Teddy Dawson behind him and IU recruit Logan Young on the outside. That, and a defense that's allowed 6 points in 2 games. Delta's next win will be the 150th for head coach Grant Zgunda.
Mt. Vernon (2-0) at Connersville (1-1), 7 p.m.: The Marauders have never lost to Connersville, although they had to sweat out the final play of the game last season. Connersville is coming off a big 20-19 win over Franklin County last week, but MV was very impressive in shutting out Yorktown, with the offense clicking and an aggressive, blitzing Jason McCalley/Sam Balbach-led defense that bent, but never allowed Yorktown to score.
Eastern Hancock (0-2) at Indian Creek (2-0), 7 p.m.: These two teams have played each other for several years, but this will be the final one as a non-conference game, as EH will enter the Mid-Indiana Football Conference next season. IC is growing -- it bumped into 3A this season -- and also talented. The Braves had an impressive 20-7 victory over Greenwood last week, and have allowed only two touchdowns this season. EH's Steven Stunda has had a good year throwing the ball, but the Royals are hoping to clamp down after allowing 34 and 42 points in their first two weeks.
Other HHC games
Greensburg (0-2) at Rushville (1-1), 7 p.m.: Greensburg saw Jennings County break a 14-game losing streak last week, while Rushville fell to their rivals on the other end of SR 44. These two backyard teams like to go toe-to-toe, and QB Spencer Comer and the Lions are looking to build some momentum in their final non-conference game. Rushville has allowed 24 and 41 points in the two games so far. They have a common opponent in Shelbyville, which beat Greensburg and Rushville by similar scores.
Muncie South (2-0) at Yorktown (1-1), 7 p.m.: We saw Yorktown last week, and we'll see them again next week. The Tigers are led by a big line blocking for a big running back in Derek Kundenreich. Last week, Yorktown fell 32-0, but the Tigers were able to move the ball. They just didn't finish drives, and the Marauders hit some big plays to stretch the score. Kundenreich is averaging right at 100 yards per game, and WB Brendon Barnes is a quick athlete that provides a little bit of speed for the Tigers. South is off to a 2-0 start for the third straight year, but Yorktown has made it a 2-1 start the last two, and has won four straight meetings.
Franklin (1-1) at Shelbyville (2-0), 7:30 p.m.: Shelby has won this game handily the last two seasons. Brian Harbin has the Grizzly Cubs improved, but the Golden Bears were impressive in a 41-13 victory over Rushville last week. RB Patrick Ellis and QB Kevin Prosch both ran for 100+ yards in last week's win over Rushville, and the Bears are rolling up yards on the ground in bunches.
We'll see you Friday night for the Game of the Week!
Also, make sure you check out our friends at St. Vincent Sports Performance. Follow Greg Oden, IRL champ Tony Kanaan and Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch as athletes who have trained at St. Vincent Sports Performance. They'll also provide cutting-edge injury assessments, and they're conveniently located on the east side of Indianapolis.
We've already rehashed last week: Delta appears to be the creme de la creme of the HHC, while there's a mad dash for the rest of the league that will sort itself out over time. The most intriguing matchup of the week is the one we'll have as our Gridirion Digest Game of the Week. So, let's preview it.
TGD Hancock County Game of the Week
Pendleton Heights (1-1, 1-1) at New Palestine (1-1, 0-1)
Pregame 7 p.m., Kickoff 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, 2009
Hear it here at Audio Sports Online.
The coaches:
PH: John Broughton (34th year at PH, 183-151)
NP: Tim Able (1st year at NP, 1-1; 18th year overall, 96-93)
Last season: NP won 27-24 in overtime.
The series: It's been one of streaks. Since the HHC's formation in 1994, PH holds an 8-7 edge. NP won the first, then PH won eight straight from 1995-2002. NP has won six consecutive games since 2003.
Scouting the Arabians: PH is coming off an impressive 28-0 victory over Greenfield-Central, which was the Arabians' first shutout since the 2004 sectional. The Arabians are one play away from being 2-0 on the young season. With nine offensive starters back, they're scoring some points. QB Grant Hendershot threw for 1,560 yards last year and has completed 57% of his passes this season. Fullback Ravaughn White is a strong double-threat, as he is PH's leading rusher and receiver. He had 124 yards from scrimmage and 2 TDs against G-C, and had a 91-yard KOR for a touchdown against Yorktown. Jacob Jewell, last year's leading receiver, is part of a fairly experienced corps on that side of the ball. HB Tyler Larkin has been strong so far as a running threat. On defense, PH is running its traditional 4-4, with LBs Pat Butler & James Main the leading tacklers.
Scouting the Dragons: NP was on the other end of a shutout last week -- falling 23-0 to a loaded Delta squad. The Dragons did get through their brutal 1-2 step to start the year with a victory in Week 1 over Whiteland. And, like PH, the Dragons have a lot of familiar faces on both sides of the ball, including a resurgent Pat Feeney. Last week, the senior RB/S nabbed his second and third interceptions of the year. He had 44 yards from scrimmage last week after totaling 137 and 2 TDs against Whiteland. Like their foes this week, the Dragons will seek balance, although they tend to feature the run. Five different backs ran for 139 yards against Delta. The leading rusher is Brett Jackson, who had 60 yards last week and has 83 for the season. QB Cary Albrecht has run for 79 yards, and also has thrown for 143, in the two games. The Dragons' 3-4 defense is very aggressive, and has faced two outstanding backs in Whiteland's Drew Smyth and Delta's Teddy Dawson, both of whom have totaled 100+ yards in the first two weeks.
This game will likely be very pivotal in determining HHC position. Listen to Jim Ryan and myself for the broadcast at 7 p.m. Friday.
Other Hancock County games
Delta (2-0, 1-0) at Greenfield-Central (1-1, 0-1), 7:30 p.m.: G-C is renaming its field for Hall of Fame coach Clayton Myers, who led the Cougars to the Class 2A title in 1973 and a 2A runner-up in 1975. That alone will make it an interesting night, but it's a tough game for G-C to bounce back from a difficult loss. Delta may have one of its best teams in a long time this season, as QB Ozzie Mann continues a long line of strong Eagle QBs, and he has Teddy Dawson behind him and IU recruit Logan Young on the outside. That, and a defense that's allowed 6 points in 2 games. Delta's next win will be the 150th for head coach Grant Zgunda.
Mt. Vernon (2-0) at Connersville (1-1), 7 p.m.: The Marauders have never lost to Connersville, although they had to sweat out the final play of the game last season. Connersville is coming off a big 20-19 win over Franklin County last week, but MV was very impressive in shutting out Yorktown, with the offense clicking and an aggressive, blitzing Jason McCalley/Sam Balbach-led defense that bent, but never allowed Yorktown to score.
Eastern Hancock (0-2) at Indian Creek (2-0), 7 p.m.: These two teams have played each other for several years, but this will be the final one as a non-conference game, as EH will enter the Mid-Indiana Football Conference next season. IC is growing -- it bumped into 3A this season -- and also talented. The Braves had an impressive 20-7 victory over Greenwood last week, and have allowed only two touchdowns this season. EH's Steven Stunda has had a good year throwing the ball, but the Royals are hoping to clamp down after allowing 34 and 42 points in their first two weeks.
Other HHC games
Greensburg (0-2) at Rushville (1-1), 7 p.m.: Greensburg saw Jennings County break a 14-game losing streak last week, while Rushville fell to their rivals on the other end of SR 44. These two backyard teams like to go toe-to-toe, and QB Spencer Comer and the Lions are looking to build some momentum in their final non-conference game. Rushville has allowed 24 and 41 points in the two games so far. They have a common opponent in Shelbyville, which beat Greensburg and Rushville by similar scores.
Muncie South (2-0) at Yorktown (1-1), 7 p.m.: We saw Yorktown last week, and we'll see them again next week. The Tigers are led by a big line blocking for a big running back in Derek Kundenreich. Last week, Yorktown fell 32-0, but the Tigers were able to move the ball. They just didn't finish drives, and the Marauders hit some big plays to stretch the score. Kundenreich is averaging right at 100 yards per game, and WB Brendon Barnes is a quick athlete that provides a little bit of speed for the Tigers. South is off to a 2-0 start for the third straight year, but Yorktown has made it a 2-1 start the last two, and has won four straight meetings.
Franklin (1-1) at Shelbyville (2-0), 7:30 p.m.: Shelby has won this game handily the last two seasons. Brian Harbin has the Grizzly Cubs improved, but the Golden Bears were impressive in a 41-13 victory over Rushville last week. RB Patrick Ellis and QB Kevin Prosch both ran for 100+ yards in last week's win over Rushville, and the Bears are rolling up yards on the ground in bunches.
We'll see you Friday night for the Game of the Week!
Also, make sure you check out our friends at St. Vincent Sports Performance. Follow Greg Oden, IRL champ Tony Kanaan and Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch as athletes who have trained at St. Vincent Sports Performance. They'll also provide cutting-edge injury assessments, and they're conveniently located on the east side of Indianapolis.
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