New Palestine High School

The New Palestine boys soccer team battled in a closely-played game Saturday, but ultimately fell short 1-0 to East Central in the championship game of the 3A New Palestine sectional. The Trojans broke through in the 47th minute, with a ball crossed in to the far post and headed off the inside of the goalpost and in. Neither team had many chances in a game that was played defensively by both teams. Jake Wells made a strong save in the 12th minute after a free kick was played into the box and headed on frame from the middle of the box. Wells smothered it to keep the game scoreless. The Dragons' best first-half chance came in the 33rd minute. Drew Potter launched a free kick toward the far post. Cohen Wintin was pulled down while going for the ball, but the game continued with the Dragons earning a corner that was cleared. Chances were few for both teams after the goal. The Dragons pushed forward in the final minutes. Wintin took a shot from the 18 in the 73rd minute that was stopped. Two minutes later, Eli Martin played a dangerous ball to Paxton Holmes in the box, but his header went wide. The Dragons finish the season with a 9-9 record and their second Hoosier Heritage Conference title in three years. It was the final game for an 11-man senior class that was instrumental in turning the program into a two-time conference championship team.