New Palestine High School

The Dragons football team finishes a three-game road swing this evening to face Pendleton Heights. 4A No. 1/1 New Palestine Dragons (3-0, 2-0 HHC) at Pendleton Heights Arabians (2-2, 1-1 HHC) Time: 7 p.m. (gates open 6:30 p.m.) Location: John Broughton Field, Pendleton (directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xiPZDi8u59xJj6sn9) Tickets: $6 at gate or online at https://public.eventlink.com/tickets?t=88008 (fans are STRONGLY encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to avoid lines) Audio: NewPalRadio.com SETTING THE SCENE The Class 4A No. 1 Dragons finish their three-game road swing at Pendleton Heights. The Dragons lead the all-time series with the Arabians 24-13, but have won 12 straight, dating back to the 2013 season, and 22 of the last 24. Last season, the Dragons won a 34-14 decision. The Dragons are ranked No. 1 in both polls for the fifth consecutive week. This is the 25th consecutive poll week in which the Dragons are ranked. The Dragons were a unanimous No. 1 in the IFCA poll. The Dragons are 76-2 in HHC games since 2013 and have won 21 consecutive conference games. DRAGONS NOTES The Dragons’ offense was efficient and explosive in last week’s 56-8 victory at Mt. Vernon. The Dragons’ top-unit scored on eight of its 10 possessions in the contest. In the game, the Dragons tallied 416 yards. Quarterback Jacob Davis was 12-of-18 for a career-high 240 yards and three touchdowns. Austin McMahan tallied 93 yards receiving, including TD catches of 58 and 27 yards. Eli Wasson also reeled in a 66-yard TD on the first possession of the game. Josh Ranes tallied 119 rushing yards and four TDs, leading a 176-yard rushing attack. The Red Rage was also outstanding against the Marauders, forcing four turnovers - including two on special teams. The Dragons are now plus-9 in turnover ratio, with 10 takeaways and one giveaway. The Dragons have turned the 10 takeaways into nine touchdowns. Garrett Ranes tallied eight tackles and Michael Thacker five to lead the defense last week. Thacker also had a sack. Connor Jacobia has had an interception in back-to-back weeks. The Dragons’ 49-point first half last week was their first 40-point half since tallying 43 in a 43-14 victory over Connersville Nov. 3, 2022. Josh Ranes’ four-TD game last week were a season high for the Dragons. The last Dragon to rush for four TDs was Grayson Thomas, who tallied five in last year’s regional against Mooresville. He has rushed for 100-plus yards three consecutive weeks. The Dragons have scored 21 points in a quarter in each week this season. They scored 21 in the second quarter against both Kokomo and Decatur Central, and then scored 21 in the opening quarter against Yorktown. Last week, they tallied 28 in the first quarter and 21 in the second against Mt. Vernon. The explosive play has been a hallmark of the Dragons’ attack. Twelve of the Dragons’ 22 TDs have been from 20 or more yards, and six have come from beyond midfield. Senior DL Michael Thacker had a sack last week, his third of the year. Thacker has 24 tackles - 20 solos - and 6.5 tackles for loss through four games. He also has three sacks and 28.5 for his career. Thacker is committed to Ball State, where he will play alongside his older brother Isaiah. SCOUTING THE ARABIANS The Arabians’ high-powered offense is averaging 417 yards and 35 points per game. It’s led by senior QB Colton Frank, who is completing 55% of his passes for 735 yards. He has four receivers with at least 100 yards, led by Nate DeRolf (285 yards). RB Keaton Jones is rushing for 146 yards per game and three TDs. He had 139 yards last week against Greenfield-Central, while Frank threw for 116 yards and two touchdowns, both to DeRolf. LOOKING AHEAD The Dragons return to Kelso Stadium next week for the 57th Homecoming contest, where they will face Greenfield-Central. FOLLOW US All New Palestine games are broadcast free-to-listen at NewPalRadio.com. All home games are also video streamed at IHSAAtv.org on a pay-per-view basis. NPHS Athletics is on Facebook and Instagram (@NewPalestineDragons), Twitter (@NPHSDragons) and online (NewPalestineAthletics.com). Photo credit: Aaron Smith