Hitting the final stretch
New Palestine Football
Commitment, Character, Class Friday, October 3 at Shelbyville, 7 p.m. The schedule Date Opponent Time/Score F 8/22 DANVILLE W 61-0 F 8/29 at Richmond W 42-6 F 9/5 YORKTOWN* W 48-13 F 9/12 at Mt. Vernon* W 31-3 F 9/19 at Pendleton Hts.* W 56-7 F 9/26 GREENFIELD-C.* W 63-0 F 10/3 at Shelbyville* 7:00 F 10/10 at New Castle* 7:30 F 10/17 DELTA* 7:30 *-HHC game All games broadcast by Dragon Radio access at NewPalestineAthletics.com
The planner Saturday, Oct. 4 GO: State Finals at Prairie View CC: HHC at NPHS, 10 a.m. VB: NP Freshman Inv., 9 a.m. TE: Sectional at Mt. Vernon, 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 6 FB: JV vs. Shelbyville, 6 p.m. FB: 9th at Shelbyville, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7 VB: vs. Shelbyville, 5:30/7 p.m. TE: Regional at N. Central, 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8 BSOC: vs. Greenfield-C., 7 p.m. (at Shelbyville sectional) Thursday, Oct. 9 GSOC: vs. Shelbyville, 5:30 p.m. (at Mt. Vernon sectional) Friday, Oct. 10 FB: at New Castle, 7:30 p.m.** Saturday, Oct. 11 VB: County at G-C, 9 a.m. GSOC: Sect final at MV, 2 p.m. BSOC: Sect final at Shelby, 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13 VB: at Mt. Vernon, 5:30 p.m. FB: JV vs. New Castle, 6 p.m. FB: 9th at New Castle, 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16 VB: at Franklin, 5:30 p.m. (9/JV/V) Friday, Oct. 17 FB: vs. Delta, 7:30 p.m.** **-Broadcast by Dragon Radio (access via Dragon HQ page at NewPalestineAthletics.com)
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Hitting the final stretch
4A #2/2 NEW PALESTINE DRAGONS (6-0, 4-0) at SHELBYVILLE GOLDEN BEARS (3-3, 2-2) McKeand Stadium, Shelbyville, Indiana Broadcast: Dragon Radio The New Palestine Dragons plan to hit the final stretch of the 2014 season, as the calendar turns to October and the Week 7 opens with a trip to Shelbyville. The Dragons enter tonight off one of the strongest offensive stretches in school history. In the last two weeks, they’ve scored 119 points, and posted a 63-0 victory, both second-most in school history. The 63 points last week against GreenfieldYoung Grable Central were the fifth-most in a game in NPHS history. Last week’s offensive prowess began with defense. The Red Rage forced four turnovers, and two turned directly into scores. Noah Grable had a 78-yard interception return for a score at the start of the second quarter, and later scooped up a fumble caused by Nick Brickens and ran it in from 6 yards out. Joseph Izbicki’s second INT of the year was run back to the 5-yard line, which led to a TD on the next play. Another turnover, a fumble recovery, turned into another James Young TD in the second quarter. The Red Rage posted its second shutout of the year, and extended its streak of quarters without allowing a TD to 15 -- the only points in that span came on a field goal and a kickoff return. NP leads the state in scoring defense, having allowed just 29 points. James Young had his second straight fourtouchdown week, and the senior RB tallied his ninth career (and second straight) 100-yard game. He totaled 103 on just 12 carries. Meanwhile, QB Alex Neligh continued his streak of games with a TD pass (6) with a 75yard strike to Duke Blackwell. Neligh also ran for 90 yards. The Dragons have now won 19 straight regular-season and 10 straight HHC games.
State polls Class 4A polls AP IFCA 1. Columbus East 1. Columbus East 2. New Palestine 2. New Palestine 3. Chatard 3. Chatard 4. Evansville Reitz 4. Evansville Reitz 5. Plymouth 5. Plymouth 6. Jasper 6. Jasper 7. New Haven 7. FW Dwenger 8. Roncalli 8. New Haven 9. FW Dwenger 9. Roncalli 10. SB St. Joseph 9. SB St. Joseph Other HHC teams Yorktown (Class 3A): AP/IFCA Rec Votes
Looking ahead
The Dragons travel to New Castle next week before returning home Oct. 17 for Senior Night against Delta.
Tonight’s opponent
The Golden Bears enter tonight with a 3-3 mark and 2-2 in the HHC. They defeated New Castle and Greenfield-Central in Weeks 4 and 5, but fell 55-14 to Yorktown last week. Shelby is led by QB John Lux, a dual-threat sophomore who is completing 54 percent of his passes and averaging more than 200 yards of total offense per game. Running back DeShaun French (91 yards per game, 5 TDs) leads the running game. Shelby is led by veteran coach Pat Parks. The Dragons and Golden Bears have split 18 meetings in their history. NP won last year’s contest 44-0 at Kelso Stadium.
Elsewhere at NPHS
The girls golf team followed the first sectional in school history with the first State Finals trip. The Dragons finished third at the New Castle regional with a 324. They were led by fourthplace finisher Abby Poole (73), fifth-place Makenzi Black (74) and junior Cassie Rooks (79). The State Finals are Friday-Saturday at Prairie View GC in Carmel ... Samuel Voelz won the individual title at the Madison Courier CC invitational last weekend. The Dragon boys were 2nd and the girls 3rd ... The girls soccer team entered the week with five straight wins, including a 5-1 win over Lawrence Central Saturday ... The boys soccer team is 8-4-2 after a 7-0 win over Delta and a 2-2 tie with No. 2 Fishers last week.
On the air
Listen to all New Palestine football games on Dragon Radio. Join Andrew Smith and Mike Jackson for the play-by-play of NPHS football. Access Dragon Radio by clicking “Dragon HQ” on the athletics website.
JV update
The JV football team is now 5-0 after a 34-0 win over Greenfield-Central. The frosh are 2-3. Both teams face Shelbyville Monday.
Around the HHC STANDINGS New Palestine Yorktown Mt. Vernon Delta Shelbyville Greenfield-Central Pendleton Heights New Castle Last week’s games (Sept. 26) Greenfield-C. at New Palestine, 7:30 Mt. Vernon at Pendleton Hts., 7:30 This week’s games (Oct. 3) New Palestine at Shelbyville, 7 Pendleton Hts. at Delta, 7:30 Next week’s games (Oct. 10) New Palestine at New Castle, 7:30 Shelbyville at Mt. Vernon, 7
Conf. 4-0 3-1 3-1 2-2 2-2 1-3 1-3 0-4
GB -- 1 1 2 2 3 3 4
Overall 6-0 5-1 4-2 3-3 3-3 3-3 3-3 1-5
Delta at New Castle, 7:30 Shelbyville at Yorktown, 7:30 New Castle at Mt. Vernon, 7 Yorktown at Greenfield-Central, 7:30 Greenfield-Central at Delta, 7:30 Yorktown at Pendleton Hts., 7:30
New Palestine Athletics Commitment s Character s Class
The schedules
NEW PALESTINE DRAGONS (6-0, 4-0 HHC) 8/22 DANVILLE W 61-0 8/29 at Richmond W 42-6 9/5 YORKTOWN* W 48-13 9/12 at Mt. Vernon* W 31-3 9/19 at Pendleton Heights* W 56-7 9/26 GREENFIELD-CENTRAL* W 63-0 10/3 at Shelbyville* 7:00 10/10 at New Castle* 7:30 10/17 DELTA* 7:30 *-Hoosier Heritage Conference game SHELBYVILLE GOLDEN BEARS (3-3, 2-2 HHC) 8/22 GREENSBURG W 22-21 8/29 at Franklin L 21-49 9/5 at Delta* L 14-34 9/12 NEW CASTLE* W 48-18 9/19 GREENFIELD-CENTRAL* W 37-13 9/26 at Yorktown* L 14-55 10/3 NEW PALESTINE* 7:00 10/10 at Mt. Vernon* 7:00 10/17 PENDLETON HEIGHTS* 7:00 *-Hoosier Heritage Conference game
Projected starters
NEW PALESTINE OFFENSE WR: 6 Duke Blackwell WR: 7 Adam Kincaid WR: 3 Garrett Kuhn TE: 22 Noah Grable LT: 62 Nick Derheimer LG: 63 David Judy C: 65 Andrew Yazel RG: 70 Matt Moeller RT: 50 Michael Woodall QB: 11 Alex Neligh RB: 32 James Young SPECIALISTS KO: 18 Spencer Corey PK: 18 Spencer Corey/30 Kyle Barton
Rankings
DEFENSE DE: 76 Alex Barnes DT: 74 Thaddeus Muse DE: 55 Trent Mahaney LB: 42 Joe Izbicki LB: 44 Sterling Curran LB: 45 Gabe Estes LB: 22 Noah Grable CB: 7 Adam Kincaid CB: 12 Chaz Hill S: 9 Nick Brickens S: 3 Garrett Kuhn P: 9 Nick Brickens Ret: 6 Blackwell/9 Brickens
New Palestine broke into the Top 10 during Week 4 of the 2013 season and has been there since. The Dragons held station this week in the polls. The Dragons advanced a spot in the AP poll to No. 2 in Week 4, their highest placement since the end of the 2013 regular season, where they were also No. 2. In Week 5, they advanced two spots to No. 2 in the IFCA poll, as well, behind Columbus East and ahead of Chatard. CLASS 4A POLL RANK BY WEEK 2014 Preseason (8/19): IFCA No. 3, AP No. 3 Week 1 (8/26): IFCA No. 4, AP No. 3, Sagarin No. 1 Week 2 (9/2): IFCA No. 4, AP No. 3, Sagarin No. 4 Week 3 (9/9): IFCA No. 4, AP No. 3, Sagarin No. 3 Week 4 (9/16): IFCA No. 4, AP No. 2, Sagarin No. 2 Week 5 (9/23): IFCA No. 2, AP No. 2, Sagarin No. 2 Week 6 (9/30): IFCA No. 2, AP No. 2, Sagarin No. 3
Series history
SERIES HISTORY Tonight marks the 19th meeting between the Dragons and Golden Bears. New Palestine has won four of the last five, but the Bears won 17-13 in the last meeting at McKeand Stadium in 2012. A year ago, NP had a 44-0 victory. The teams have played annually since Shelbyville joined the HHC in 1997. Series tied 9-9 Regular season: Shelbyville leads 9-8 At McKeand Stadium: Shelbyville leads 5-3 10/4/13: NP 44-0 (at NP) 10/1/04: NP 17-14, OT (at S) 9/28/12: S 17-13 (at S) 10/3/03: NP 22-9 (at NP) 9/30/11: NP 49-14 (at NP) 10/4/02: S 34-17 (at S) 10/1/10: NP 31-6 (at S) 9/28/01: S 14-13, OT (at NP) 10/2/09: NP 10-7 (at NP) 9/29/00: S 28-21 (at S) 10/3/08: S 42-14 (at S) 10/1/99: S 24-16 (at NP) 9/28/07: S 34-19 (at NP) 10/2/98: S 21-13 (at S) 9/29/06: NP 17-7 (at S) 10/3/97: S 32-26, OT (at NP) 9/30/05: NP 35-21 (at NP) 10/21/88: NP 38-13 (sect at NP)
Reigning HHC champs
New Palestine is the defending Hoosier Heritage Conference champion, having run the table with a 6-0 record last season. The Dragons have now won five conference titles, tying them with Mt. Vernon for second-most in the league’s 20-year history. NP has won three of the last four championships and has won five titles since 2005, most among HHC schools. HHC HISTORY Most HHC titles (*-shared title) 7: Delta (2000, 2001*, 2002*, 2004, 2005*, 2008, 2009) 5: New Palestine (2005*, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2013) 5: Mt. Vernon (1997*, 1999*, 2001*, 2003, 2012) 4: Hamilton Southeastern (1994, 1995, 1996, 1997*) 3: Pendleton Heights (1997*, 1998, 2002*) 1: Shelbyville (2007) 1: Greenfield-Central (2002*) 1: Yorktown (1999*) HHC champions by year 2003: Mt. Vernon 2013: New Palestine 2012: Mt. Vernon 2002: Delta/G-C/PH 2011: New Palestine 2001: Delta/Mt. Vernon 2010: New Palestine 2000: Delta 2009: Delta 1999: Mt. Vernon/Yorktown 2008: Delta 1998: Pendleton Heights 2007: Shelbyville 1997: HSE/MV/PH 2006: New Palestine 1996: Hamilton Southeastern 2005: New Palestine/Delta 1995: Hamilton Southeastern 2004: Delta 1994: Hamilton Southeastern
HHC lookahead
New Palestine remains the HHC leader, with Yorktown and Mt. Vernon a game back at 3-1. Delta and Shelbyville are tied for fourth at 2-2. The Dragons have already beaten both Yorktown and MV. In addition to the NP-Shelbyville game, MV (3-1) hosts New Castle (0-4); Pendleton Heights (1-3) visits Delta (2-2) and Greenfield-Central (1-3) hosts Yorktown (3-1).
Follow the traveling trophies
New Palestine regained the HHC’s Helmet trophy with a 35-14 victory at Yorktown on Sept. 27, 2013 and successfully defended it seven times, most recently with a 63-0 win over Greenfield-Central on Sept. 26. The Dragons held the Helmet for an HHC record 14 consecutive weeks in 2010-11. NP and Mt. Vernon also play for the Boundary Rail, which the Dragons held for seven consecutive years before surrendering it to MV in 2012. The Dragons regained it in 2013 and defended it with a 31-3 win in Week 4. The piece of interurban track ran close to the rough boundary between the two school districts. NP holds a 9-1 record in the series.
Dragon streaks
New Palestine is in the midst of several streaks right now, having won 15 straight regular-season games and 10 straight HHC contests. New Palestine records MOST CONSECUTIVE REGULAR-SEASON WINS 21: Aug. 19, 1983-Aug. 30, 1985 17: Aug. 27, 2010-Oct. 14, 2011 15: Aug. 23, 2013-present MOST CONSECUTIVE HHC WINS 20: Sept. 4, 2009-Oct. 14, 2011 (HHC record) 10: Sept. 6, 2013-present MOST CONSECUTIVE HOME WINS 38: Sept. 12, 1986-Oct. 2, 1992 9: Aug. 30, 2013-present
20 in 12
The Dragons’ potent offense also made a habit of scoring in bunches in 2013. They carried over the penchant for 20-point quarters into 2014, starting the season with 21 points in the first quarter of each of the first three games. The Dragons have had six 20-point quarters in the first five games this year. 20-point quarters in 2014 (7 in 5 games) 28 points, 9/26 vs. Greenfield-Central (2nd quarter) 21 points, 9/19 at Pendleton Heights (3rd quarter) 28 points, 9/19 at Pendleton Heights (2nd quarter) 21 points, 9/5 vs. Yorktown (1st quarter) 21 points, 8/29 at Richmond (1st quarter) 26 points, 8/22 vs. Danville (2nd quarter) 21 points, 8/22 vs. Danville (1st quarter)
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Coming off perfection
The 2013 season marked the fifth undefeated regular season in school history, the best start in school history and the most wins in school history. Undefeated regular seasons in New Palestine history 2013: Final record 13-1 (HHC, sectional champs) 2011: Final record 11-1 (HHC champs) 1988: Final record 10-1 (BBRC champs) 1984: Final record 10-1 (BBRC, cluster champs) 1983: Final record 10-1 (BBRC, cluster champs)
State leaders
New Palestine is among the leaders in Class 4A in scoring, defense and win margin. Among all schools, NP is 6th in the state in scoring (+3 from last week), 1st in scoring defense (+2 from last week) and 4th in victory margin (+1 from last week). 4A scoring leaders: 1. Columbus East (56.3), 2. New Palestine (50.2), 3. Beech Grove (48.3), 4. Hammond Morton (46.0), 5. New Prairie (45.2) 4A scoring defense: 1. New Palestine (4.8), 2. SB St. Joseph (7.8), 3. Columbus East (8.8), 4. Leo (9.5), 5. Lebanon (10.0) 4A victory margin: 1. Columbus East (47.5), 2. New Palestine (45.3), 3. Evansville Reitz (28.3), 4. Plymouth (24.5), 5. Jasper (24.2) Overall scoring leaders: 1. North Vermillion (62.0), 2. Rensselaer (61.2), 3. Columbus East (56.3), 4. Gibson Southern (55.0), 5. Fountain Central (50.3), 6. New Palestine (50.2) Overall scoring defense: 1. New Palestine (4.8), 2. Lafayette Catholic (6.2), 3. North Vermillion (6.5), 4. Tri-West (7.0), 5. Whiting (7.5) Overall victory margin: 1. North Vermillion (55.5), 2. Rensselaer (48.2), 3. Columbus East (47.5), 4. New Palestine (45.3), 5. Gibson Southern (42.5)
Setting records
The New Palestine football team’s offensive prowess this season is rewriting the school’s record book. Last week’s 63-0 win over Greenfield-Central was the fifth-highest scoring game and second-largest win margin in school history, and was two points shy of setting the record for most points in consecutive games. The Dragons have had a number of team records fall this year. MOST POINTS, 1st 2 GAMES OF A SEASON 110: 2013 (64-8 Danville, 46-2 Richmond) 103: 2014 (61-0 Danville, 42-6 Richmond) 97: 1984 (48-0 Tri, 49-6 Beech Grove) 81: 1988 (47-0 Tri, 34-13 Mt. Vernon) 72: 1989 (32-0 Tri, 40-6 Mt. Vernon) MOST POINTS, 1st 3 GAMES OF A SEASON 156: 2013 (64-8 Danville, 46-2 Richmond, 46-7 Pendleton Heights) 151: 2014 (61-0 Danville, 42-6 Richmond, 48-13 Yorktown) 139: 1984 (48-0 Tri, 49-6 Beech Grove, 42-0 South Decatur) 105: 1988 (47-0 Tri, 34-13 Mt. Vernon, 24-16 Shenandoah) 101: 1987 (36-16 Tri, 24-8 Mt. Vernon, 41-0 Shenandoah) MOST POINTS, 2 CONSECUTIVE GAMES 121: 1986 (57-7 Lapel, 64-0 Whiteland) 119: 2014 (56-7 Pendleton Heights, 63-0 Greenfield-Central) 115: 2013 (62-40 Pendleton Heights, 53-0 Muncie South) 112: 1982 (57-0 Tri, 55-0 Morristown) 107: 2005 (56-0 Rushville, 51-14 Yorktown) MOST POINTS, 3 CONSECUTIVE GAMES 160: 1986 (39-12 Eastern Hancock, 57-7 Lapel, 64-0 Whiteland) 160: 1982 (48-0 Wes-Del, 57-0 Tri, 55-0 Morristown) 156: 2013 (64-8 Danville, 46-2 Richmond, 46-7 Pendleton Heights) 154: 2005 (51-14 Yorktown, 35-21 Shelbyville, 68-14 Greenfield-Central) 151: 2011 (53-0 Rushville, 49-14 Yorktown, 49-13 Shelbyville) 150: 2014 (31-3 Mt. Vernon, 56-7 Pendleton Hts., 63-0 Greenfield-Central) MOST POINTS IN A GAME 68: 10/7/05 vs. Greenfield-Central (68-14) 64: 8/23/13 at Danville (64-8) 64: 10/24/86 vs. Whiteland (64-0) 64: 9/19/69 vs. Knightstown (64-34) 63: 9/26/14 vs. Greenfield-Central (63-0) BIGGEST VICTORY MARGIN 64, 10/24/86 vs. Whiteland (64-0) 63: 9/26/14 vs. Greenfield-Central (63-0) 62: 9/19/03 vs. Rushville (62-0) 61: 8/22/14 vs. Danville (61-0) 57: 10/15/82 vs. Tri (57-0)
Turn it over
The New Palestine defense has forced 13 turnovers the last three weeks. In the last two weeks, the Dragons have forced 10 turnovers and committed none. NP had three fumble recoveries and three interceptions in Week 5 against Pendleton Heights, and then had two fumble recoveries and two interceptions in Week 6 against Greenfield-Central, returning one of each for a score against the Cougars. The Dragons are +13 (6 giveaways, 19 takeaways) this season.
Play fast, score faster
New Palestine has made a habit of scoring quick TDs under coach Kyle Ralph. In the first six weeks of 2014, the Dragons have scored twice in less than 150 seconds nine times, and have done so in each game. FASTEST 2 SCORES by NEW PALESTINE 2014 1:09: 9/26 vs. Greenfield-Central. James Young 34 run 2:09 2Q; Noah Grable 6 fumble return, 1:00 2Q 1:32: 8/22 vs. Danville. Noah Grable 27 pass from Alex Neligh, 7:40 2Q; Alex Neligh 41 run, 6:08 2Q 1:43: 9/12 at Mt. Vernon. Spencer Corey 32 FG, 6:17 2Q; Duke Blackwell 21 pass from Alex Neligh, 4:36 2Q 1:49: 8/22 vs. Danville James Young 2 run 9:29 2Q; Noah Grable 27 pass from Alex Neligh, 7:40 2Q 1:53: 9/26 vs. Greenfield-Central. Sterling Curran 2 run 4:02 2Q; James Young 34 run 2:09 2Q 2:05: 9/5 vs. Yorktown. Garrett Kuhn 28 pass from Alex Neligh 8:35 1Q; Duke Blackwell 25 pass from Alex Neligh 6:30 1Q 2:27: 9/19 at Pendleton Hts. Duke Blackwell 9 pass from Alex Neligh 11:55 2Q; Noah Grable 48 pass from Alex Neligh 9:28 2Q 2:28: 8/29 at Richmond. James Young 1 run 1:23 1Q; James Young 1 run 10:55 2Q 2:30 8/29 at Richmond. Chaz Hill 39 run 9:49 1Q; Joe Izbicki 4 pass from Alex Neligh 7:19 1Q FASTEST 3 SCORES by NEW PALESTINE 2014 3:02: 9/26 vs. Greenfield-Central. Sterling Curran 2 run 4:02 2Q; James Young 34 run 2:09 2Q; Noah Grable 6 fumble return 1:00 2Q 3:21: 8/22 vs. Danville. James Young 2 run 9:29 2Q; Noah Grable 27 pass from Alex Neligh, 7:40 2Q; Alex Neligh 41 run, 6:08 2Q. FASTEST SCORE FROM THE START OF A GAME :45: 9/5 vs. Yorktown. Noah Grable 65 pass from Alex Neligh, 11:15 1Q
We will run 500 yards
In the Week 5 victory over Pendleton Heights, the Dragons amassed 539 yards of total offense, their most since totaling a school-record 744 against PH in the 2013 sectional. Big-yardage games under coach Kyle Ralph have been the norm, with the team averaging 444 yards per game in 2013. MOST YARDS TOTAL OFFENSE (450 and up) since 2013 744: 10/25/13 at Pendleton Hts. (443 rush, 301 pass, W 62-40) 678: 9/6/13 vs. Pendleton Hts. (348 rush, 330 pass, W 46-7) 593: 8/23/13 at Danville (326 rush, 267 pass, W 64-8) 558: 11/1/13 at Muncie South (376 rush, 182 pass, W 53-0) 539: 9/19/14 at Pendleton Hts (337 rush, 202 pass, W 56-7) 497: 9/13/13 at Delta (326 rush, 171 pass, W 41-14) 496: 8/22/14 vs. Danville (309 rush, 187 pass, W 61-0) 479: 9/27/14 at Yorktown (255 rush, 224 pass, W 35-14)
Neligh a run-pass threat
Junior Alex Neligh becomes the Dragons’ starting quarterback this season. He nearly equaled a rare feat in his first start, running for 98 yards and throwing for 187 against Danville. 2013 senior Blake Luker hit the 100/100 milestone several times a year ago. Neligh had his first 200-yard passing game with 229 yards on 14-of-24 passing against Richmond. That game featured several explosive plays -- a 45-yard pass to Duke Blackwell, a 41-yard pass to Noah Grable, and a 30-yard pass to Logan Greene. ALEX NELIGH’S TOP PASSING GAMES 223: 8/29/14 at Richmond (14-of-24, 1 TD, W 42-6) 204: 9/12/14 at Mt. Vernon (15-of-21, 2 TD, W 31-3) 202: 9/19/14 at Pendleton Heights (8-of-12, 3 TD, W 56-7)
3-for-3-for-6
Junior QB Alex Neligh had a perfect start to the game against Yorktown. His first three pass attempts went for touchdowns -- a 65-yarder to Noah Grable, a 28-yarder to Garrett Kuhn and a 25-yarder to Duke Blackwell. They gave NP a 21-0 lead just 5:30 into an eventual 48-13 victory.
Keeping the streak alive
Junior QB Alex Neligh had just one completion (on 4 attempts) in the Week 6 win over Greenfield-Central, but it kept alive his streak of six games with a touchdown pass. Neligh hit Duke Blackwell for a 75-yard TD pass on third-and-24 in the third quarter of a 63-0 win.
Mr. Touchdown
Senior RB James Young has been the Dragons’ closer. In the last two weeks, he has crossed the goal line four times in each game, with runs of 1, 1, 1 and 67 against Pendleton Heights Sept. 19, and TD runs of 10, 13, 34 and 5 yards against Greenfield-Central Sept. 26. Through the first six weeks of the 2014 season, he has four games with at least three TDs, scoring three each in the first two games.
New Palestine Athletics Commitment s Character s Class
A Young century
Senior running back James Young hit the millenium mark a year ago, rushing for 1,250 yards in 2013. It was the largest total for a New Palestine back since Eric Alcorn ran for 1,629 yards in 2005. Young topped the 100-yard mark five times in the last six games last season, and six times overall in 2013. His 266-yard game against Pendleton Heights in the sectional was the most since Nick Survant ran for 236 on Oct. 5, 2012. Young continued his run with two three-TD games in the season openers, then a 166-yard, 31-carry effort against Yorktown in Week 3. He now has nine 100-yard games, including three this season. He has eclipsed the 100-yard mark in three of the Dragons’ four HHC games this year. In the Dragons’ four tournament wins last season, Young averaged 182 yards per game and scored eight touchdowns. James Young’s 100-yard rushing games (9, 3 this season) 266 yards, 10/25/13 at Pendleton Heights (29 carries) 187 yards, 11/1/13 at Muncie South (25 carries) 166 yards, 9/5/14 vs. Yorktown (31 carries) 159 yards, 9/6/13 vs. Pendleton Heights (24 carries) 153 yards, 11/15/13 vs. Chatard (14 carries) 151 yards, 9/19/14 at Pendleton Heights (23 carries) 120 yards, 11/8/13 vs. Mt. Vernon (26 carries) 110 yards, 10/11/13 at Greenfield-Central (11 carries) 103 yards, 9/26/14 vs. Greenfield-Central (12 carries)
Return to sender
The New Palestine defense and special teams have managed to get 5 scores already this season, with a fake punt & a blocked punt TD vs. Richmond and three more scores, including two safeties, against Mt. Vernon. That builds off a 2013 season in which the Dragons had four return touchdowns and four safeties. 2014 defensive/special teams scores Touchdown: 9/26 vs. Greenfield-Central. Noah Grable 78-yard INT return Touchdown: 9/26 vs. Greenfield-Central. Noah Grable 6-yard fum return Safety: 9/12 at Mt. Vernon. Fumbled punt snap out of end zone Touchdown: 9/12 at Mt. Vernon. Nick Brickens 55-yard punt return Safety: 9/12 at Mt. Vernon. QB fumbled ball out of end zone Touchdown: 8/29 at Richmond. Chaz Hill 39-yard run on fake punt Touchdown: 8/29 at Richmond. Adam Kincaid rec blk punt in end zone 2013 defensive/special teams scores Touchdown: 11/22 vs. Columbus East. Garrett Kuhn 65 blocked FG Safety: 10/11 vs. Greenfield-Central. Nick Buckhorn tackled runner Touchdown 10/11 vs. Greenfield-Central. Nick Brickens 60 INT return Safety: 10/4 vs. Shelbyville. Nick Brickens tackled runner in end zone Touchdown: 8/30 vs. Richmond. Gabe Estes 35 fumble return Touchdown: 8/30 vs. Richmond. Garrett Kuhn 61 interception return Safety: 8/23 at Danville. Noah Grable sacked quarterback in end zone Safety: 8/23 at Danville. Nick Derheimer sacked QB in end zone
Red Rage pitching donuts
New Palestine’s defense earned the team’s first shutout in a season opener since the 1989 season, when the Dragons blanked Tri 32-0. That gave NP a run of five shutouts in its last nine games. The four shutouts put up by the 2013 team (vs. Shelbyville Oct. 4, Mt. Vernon Oct. 18, Muncie South Nov. 1, Mt. Vernon Nov. 8) are the most since the 2011 team hs three shutouts in a season. The school record for shutouts in a season is six, set by the 1990 state runner-up team. Most shutouts in a season 1990: 6 (9/14 vs. Zionsville, 9/21 at Beech Grove , 9/28 vs. Triton Central, 10/5 at Eastern Hancock, 10/12 vs. Franklin, 10/26 vs. Alexandria) 1983: 5 (8/26 at Lapel; 9/2 vs. Beech Grove, 9/9 vs. South Decatur, 10/7 vs. Eastern Hancock, 10/19 vs. Morristown) 1982: 5 (8/28 at Covington, 9/10 at Eastern Hancock, 10/8 at Wes-Del, 10/15 vs. Tri, 10/22 vs. Morristown) 1973: 5 (8/30 vs. Edinburgh, 9/13 vs. Eastern Hancock, 9/27 at South Decatur, 10/26 at Mt. Vernon, 11/2 vs. North Decatur) 2013: 4 (10/4 vs. Shelbyville, 10/18 vs. Mt. Vernon, 11/1 at Muncie South, 11/8 vs. Mt. Vernon) 1986: 4 (9/12 vs. Shenandoah, 9/19 vs. Knightstown, 10/3 vs. Triton Central, 10/24 vs. Whiteland)
Grable finds end zone
Senior Noah Grable has found the end zone many different ways this season. He had three TDs the traditional route -- via receptions from his tight end position -- in the year’s first five weeks. But in the Week 6 win over Greenfield-Central, Grable got there on defense. The linebacker intecepted a pass and ran it back 78 yards to give the Dragons a 21-0 lead in the second quarter. Later in the period, he scooped up a fumble caused by Nick Brickens and ran it into the end zone from 6 yards out. They were the Dragons’ first defensive scores since Week 8 of the 2013 season, also against Greenfield-Central.
Sack dances
Senior Noah Grable is the team’s sack king. He and teammate Brian Wagner had 18 sacks each last season, setting a school record for sacks in a single season. He added three to the total in Week 1 for 21. Sterling Curran had three sacks in the Week 2 win at Richmond. In Week 3, Curran and Grable had three sacks each, and Gabe Estes had five.
High-scoring streak
New Palestine is looking to equal a school record set in 1987 and tied a year ago if it can break the 40-point barrier. The Dragons have scored 40-plus points in each of their three games so far this season. A year ago, the Dragons tied a school record with four consecutive 40-point games. 40 points in back-to-back-to-back games 1987 vs. E.Hancock (40-13), Lapel (49-7), Batesville (48-0), Whtland (42-8) 2013 vs. Danville (64-8), Richmond (46-2), Pend. Hts (46-7), Delta (41-14) 2014 vs. Danville (61-0), Richmond (42-6), Yorktown (48-13) 2011 vs. Rushville (53-0), Yorktown (49-14), Shelbyville (49-13) 1987 vs. Shenandoah (41-0), Knightstown (50-0), Beech Grove (52-9) 1984 vs. Tri (48-0), Beech Grove (49-6), South Decatur (42-0) 1982 vs. Wes-Del (48-0), Tri (57-0), Morristown (55-0)
300 wins! (and counting)
The Dragons won their 300th game in school history in Week 5, beating Pendleton Heights 56-7. The 300 wins have come over a 47-year span. The 100th win came in the 18th season of varsity football (1985), the 200th came in the 33rd (2001), and the 300th in the 47th. . Milestone wins (through Sept. 19. 2014) 1: 9/6/68: New Palestine 37, Hamilton Southeastern 13 50: 9/22/78: New Palestine 20, Mt. Vernon 14 100: 10/25/85: New Palestine 21, Brookville 0 (sectional) 150: 11/9/90: New Palestine 20, Chatard 12 (regional) 200: 9/21/01: New Palestine 14, Yorktown 10 250: 8/22/09: New Palestine 22, Whiteland 16, OT 300: 9/19/14: New Palestine 56, Pendleton Heights 7 QUEST FOR 300 WINS BY DECADE 1960s: 9 (9-9) 1990s: 57 (57-47) 1970s: 47 (47-48-2) 2000s: 63 (63-51) 1980s: 83 (83-25) 2010s: 41 (41-11) WINS BY OPPONENT (55 different schools) 30: Mt. Vernon 25: Triton Central 18: Eastern Hancock 16: Greenfield-Central, Rushville 15: Pendleton Heights, Tri 14: Yorktown 11: Indian Creek 10: Knightstown WINS BY HEAD COACH 200: Marvin Shepler (1968-2001) 49: Doug Armstrong (2002-08) 30: Tim Able (2009-11) 18: Kyle Ralph (2013-present) 3: Charlie Hill (2012) MOST WINS IN A SEASON (*-undefeated regular season) 13-1: 2013 (HHC, regional champs)* 12-2: 1990 (state runner-up) 11-1: 2011 (HHC champs)* 11-2: 1987 (regional champs) 10-1: 1983 (BBRC, cluster champs)* 10-1: 1984 (BBRC, cluster champs)* 10-1: 1988 (BBRC champs)* 10-2: 1989 (sectional champs) 10-3: 2009 (sectional champs) 10-3: 2005 (HHC, sectional champs) 10-3: 2004 (sectional champs) OTHER FACTS WIns at Kelso Stadium: 155 Away: 140 Wins at neutral sites: 5 (2-Lucas Oil Stadium, 2-RCA Dome, 1-Warren C.) IHSAA tournament wins: 43 HHC wins: 79 Sectional titles (7): 1987, 1989, 1990, 2004, 2005, 2009, 2013 Regional titles (3): 1987, 1990, 2013 Semistate titles (1): 1990 Conference titles (13): 1978, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1988 (Big Blue River Conference), 1992 (Rangeline conference), 2005, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2013 (Hoosier Heritage Conference) School closers: Brookville (1988), Anderson Highland (2009), Muncie South (2013) (last game for opponent before school closed/consolidated)
New Palestine Athletics Commitment s Character s Class
Record-toppers
Last year’s Dragons rewrote the school’s record book. Among the records set in 2013 Tyler Walden: Career (2,134), single-season (1,231) and single-game (212) receiving yards; caeer (139), season (86) and single-game (14) receptions; career (22) touchdown receptions. Blake Luker: Career (4,494), single-season (3,761) and single-game (471) total offense; career (64) and single-season (54) total offense touchdowns. Career touchdown passes (40). Career (239) and single-season (176) completions. Noah Grable/Brian Wagner: Single-season sacks (18) Team: Most points, single-season (571); Most points in a game, both teams (102, 62-40 win over Pendleton Heights 10/25/13); most consecutive wins (13), most wins in a season (13), most total yards (6,230), single-game total yards (744 vs. Pendleton Heights)
Meet Coach Ralph
Second-year NPHS head coach Kyle Ralph is the fifth head coach in NPHS history, and the third to lead the Dragons to an undefeated regular season, joining Marvin Shepler and Tim Able. He is the first to win his first 13 games as a Dragons head coach. Coach Ralph is a 2002 graduate of Cincinnati St. Xavier High School, where he was a standout offensive lineman. He played collegiately at the University of North Carolina for head coach John Bunting, where he was a two-time First Team All-ACC performer. In 2005, his senior season, he was the ACC’s Coastal Division Offensive Lineman of the Year. He has also participated in NFL training camps with the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers. He began his coaching career at St. Xavier in 2007, then became the co-offensive coordinator at Oak Hills High School near Cincinnati in 2008. He served there for three seasons, before becoming the offensive line coach and offensive coordinator at Withrow University High School in Cincinnati in 2011 and 2012. At Withrow, Ralph’s team averaged 34.4 points and 335 total yards per game in 2012. In two years there, his teams went 14-6 overall. At Oak Hills, his 2010 offense broke or tied five school rushing records. His first New Palestine team rewrote the school record book, averaging more than 40 points per game and gaining 6,230 yards. Under his tutelage, the team produced its career and single-season total offense (Blake Luker) and receiving (Tyler Walden) leaders. In 2013, Luker, Walden and James Young became the first trio in NP history to give the team a 2,000-yard passer and a 1,000 yard rusher and receiver in the same season. Coach Ralph also has seven seasons of experience coaching track and field. He teaches world history and advanced PE at NPHS. New Palestine’s head coaches Kyle Ralph (2013-) 19-1 Charlie Hill (2012) 3-7 Tim Able (2009-11) 30-6 Doug Armstrong (2002-08) 49-31 Marvin Shepler (1968-2001): 200-146-2
About Kelso Stadium/Shepler Field
The Dragons’ home turf Is named for two New Palestine luminaries. Kelso Stadium was dedicated in honor of former NPHS principal Robert Kelso shortly after he passed away in 1983. The playing field itself is Shepler Field – named for NPHS teacher and Hall of Fame football coach Marvin Shepler. The only coach in Dragons history for the program’s first 34 years, Shepler led New Palestine to three sectional titles, three undefeated regular seasons and the 1990 State Finals.
Pronounciation guide New Palestine 11 Alex Neligh 19 Gunnar Large 33 James Crumlin 42 Joe Izbicki 44 Sterling Curran 55 Trent Mahaney 62 Nick Derheimer 65 Andrew Yazel 66 Nick Jassaud 73 Denny Alyea
“New pal-uh-STEEN” “NEE-ly” “Gunner” “CRUM-lynn” “IS-bick-y” “CURR-un” “muh-HAIN-ee” “DARE-hime-ur” “YAY-zul” “JUS-oad” “AL-yay”
2014 season highs
INDIVIDUAL Rushing yards: 166, James Young vs. Yorktown 9/5 Rushing attempts: 31, James Young vs. Yorktown 9/5 Rushing touchdowns: 4, James Young at Pendleton Heights 9/19; James Young vs. Greenfield-Central 9/26 Passing yards: 229, Alex Neligh at Richmond 8/29 Pass completions: 15, Alex Neligh at Mt. Vernon 9/12 Pass attempts: 24, Alex Neligh at Richmond 8/29 Pass touchdowns: 3, Alex Neligh vs. Yorktown 9/5, at Pendleton Heights 9/19 Receiving yards: 116, Duke Blackwell vs. Danville 8/22 Receptions: 8, Noah Grable at Mt. Vernon 9/12 Receiving touchdowns: 1, Noah Grable vs. Danville 8/22; Joe Izbicki at Richmond 8/29; Duke Blackwell, Garrett Kuhn and Noah Grable vs. Yorktown 9/5; Noah Grable, Duke Blackwell at Mt. Vernon 9/12; Noah Grable, Duke Blackwell and Garrett Kuhn at Pendleton Heights 9/19; Duke Blackwell vs. Greenfield-Central 9/26 Total offense: 285, Alex Neligh vs. Danville 8/22 (187 passing, 98 rushing) Yards from scrimmage: 166, James Young vs. Yorktown 9/5 Longest rush: 67 yards, James Young vs. Pendleton Heights 9/26 Longest pass: 85 yards, Alex Neligh to Garrett Kuhn at Pend. Hts 9/19 Most sacks: 5, Gabe Estes vs. Yorktown 9/5 Most interceptions: 3, Garrett Kuhn at Mt. Vernon 9/12 TEAM Total yards: 539, at Pendleton Heights 9/19 Rushing yards: 337, at Pendleton Heights 9/19 Rushing attempts: 44, at Pendleton Heights 9/19 Passing yards: 229 at Richmond 8/29 Pass completions: 15 at Mt. Vernon 9/12 Pass attempts: 24 at Richmond 8/29 Total plays: 60, vs. Danville 8/22 First downs: 20, vs. Danville 8/22 Pass touchdowns: 3, vs. Yorktown 9/5; at Pendleton Heights 9/19 Points: 63, vs. Greenfield-Central 9/26 Points in a quarter: 28, 2nd quarter at Pendleton Heights 9/19; 2nd quarter vs. Greenfield-Central 9/26 Points in a half: 47, 1st half vs. Danville 8/22 Fewest points allowed allowed: 0, vs. Danville 8/22; vs. GreenfieldCentral 9/26 Fewest rushing yards allowed: -10, at Pendleton Heights 9/19 Fewest passing yards allowed: 45, vs. Danville 8/22 Fewest total yards allowed: 109, vs. Greenfield-Central 9/26 Fewest first downs allowed: 8, vs. Danville 8/22; at Mt. Vernon 9/12 Turnovers caused: 6, at Pendleton Heights 9/19 Most interceptions: 3, at Mt. Vernon 9/12, at Pendleton Heights 9/19 Most fumble recoveries: 3, at Pendleton Heights 9/19 Turnover ratio: +6, at Pendleton Heights 9/19
Record when
Home: 3-0 Road: 3-0 vs. 5A: 1-0 vs. 4A: 4-0 vs. 3A: 1-0 vs. HHC: 4-0 vs. NCC: 1-0 vs. Sagamore: 1-0 Scoring at least 20: 6-0 30: 6-0 40: 5-0 Allowing less than 30: 6-0 20: 6-0 10: 5-0 300 yds offense: 5-0 400: 3-0 500: 1-0 Allowing
Commitment, Character, Class Friday, October 3 at Shelbyville, 7 p.m. The schedule Date Opponent Time/Score F 8/22 DANVILLE W 61-0 F 8/29 at Richmond W 42-6 F 9/5 YORKTOWN* W 48-13 F 9/12 at Mt. Vernon* W 31-3 F 9/19 at Pendleton Hts.* W 56-7 F 9/26 GREENFIELD-C.* W 63-0 F 10/3 at Shelbyville* 7:00 F 10/10 at New Castle* 7:30 F 10/17 DELTA* 7:30 *-HHC game All games broadcast by Dragon Radio access at NewPalestineAthletics.com
The planner Saturday, Oct. 4 GO: State Finals at Prairie View CC: HHC at NPHS, 10 a.m. VB: NP Freshman Inv., 9 a.m. TE: Sectional at Mt. Vernon, 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 6 FB: JV vs. Shelbyville, 6 p.m. FB: 9th at Shelbyville, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7 VB: vs. Shelbyville, 5:30/7 p.m. TE: Regional at N. Central, 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8 BSOC: vs. Greenfield-C., 7 p.m. (at Shelbyville sectional) Thursday, Oct. 9 GSOC: vs. Shelbyville, 5:30 p.m. (at Mt. Vernon sectional) Friday, Oct. 10 FB: at New Castle, 7:30 p.m.** Saturday, Oct. 11 VB: County at G-C, 9 a.m. GSOC: Sect final at MV, 2 p.m. BSOC: Sect final at Shelby, 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13 VB: at Mt. Vernon, 5:30 p.m. FB: JV vs. New Castle, 6 p.m. FB: 9th at New Castle, 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16 VB: at Franklin, 5:30 p.m. (9/JV/V) Friday, Oct. 17 FB: vs. Delta, 7:30 p.m.** **-Broadcast by Dragon Radio (access via Dragon HQ page at NewPalestineAthletics.com)
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Hitting the final stretch
4A #2/2 NEW PALESTINE DRAGONS (6-0, 4-0) at SHELBYVILLE GOLDEN BEARS (3-3, 2-2) McKeand Stadium, Shelbyville, Indiana Broadcast: Dragon Radio The New Palestine Dragons plan to hit the final stretch of the 2014 season, as the calendar turns to October and the Week 7 opens with a trip to Shelbyville. The Dragons enter tonight off one of the strongest offensive stretches in school history. In the last two weeks, they’ve scored 119 points, and posted a 63-0 victory, both second-most in school history. The 63 points last week against GreenfieldYoung Grable Central were the fifth-most in a game in NPHS history. Last week’s offensive prowess began with defense. The Red Rage forced four turnovers, and two turned directly into scores. Noah Grable had a 78-yard interception return for a score at the start of the second quarter, and later scooped up a fumble caused by Nick Brickens and ran it in from 6 yards out. Joseph Izbicki’s second INT of the year was run back to the 5-yard line, which led to a TD on the next play. Another turnover, a fumble recovery, turned into another James Young TD in the second quarter. The Red Rage posted its second shutout of the year, and extended its streak of quarters without allowing a TD to 15 -- the only points in that span came on a field goal and a kickoff return. NP leads the state in scoring defense, having allowed just 29 points. James Young had his second straight fourtouchdown week, and the senior RB tallied his ninth career (and second straight) 100-yard game. He totaled 103 on just 12 carries. Meanwhile, QB Alex Neligh continued his streak of games with a TD pass (6) with a 75yard strike to Duke Blackwell. Neligh also ran for 90 yards. The Dragons have now won 19 straight regular-season and 10 straight HHC games.
State polls Class 4A polls AP IFCA 1. Columbus East 1. Columbus East 2. New Palestine 2. New Palestine 3. Chatard 3. Chatard 4. Evansville Reitz 4. Evansville Reitz 5. Plymouth 5. Plymouth 6. Jasper 6. Jasper 7. New Haven 7. FW Dwenger 8. Roncalli 8. New Haven 9. FW Dwenger 9. Roncalli 10. SB St. Joseph 9. SB St. Joseph Other HHC teams Yorktown (Class 3A): AP/IFCA Rec Votes
Looking ahead
The Dragons travel to New Castle next week before returning home Oct. 17 for Senior Night against Delta.
Tonight’s opponent
The Golden Bears enter tonight with a 3-3 mark and 2-2 in the HHC. They defeated New Castle and Greenfield-Central in Weeks 4 and 5, but fell 55-14 to Yorktown last week. Shelby is led by QB John Lux, a dual-threat sophomore who is completing 54 percent of his passes and averaging more than 200 yards of total offense per game. Running back DeShaun French (91 yards per game, 5 TDs) leads the running game. Shelby is led by veteran coach Pat Parks. The Dragons and Golden Bears have split 18 meetings in their history. NP won last year’s contest 44-0 at Kelso Stadium.
Elsewhere at NPHS
The girls golf team followed the first sectional in school history with the first State Finals trip. The Dragons finished third at the New Castle regional with a 324. They were led by fourthplace finisher Abby Poole (73), fifth-place Makenzi Black (74) and junior Cassie Rooks (79). The State Finals are Friday-Saturday at Prairie View GC in Carmel ... Samuel Voelz won the individual title at the Madison Courier CC invitational last weekend. The Dragon boys were 2nd and the girls 3rd ... The girls soccer team entered the week with five straight wins, including a 5-1 win over Lawrence Central Saturday ... The boys soccer team is 8-4-2 after a 7-0 win over Delta and a 2-2 tie with No. 2 Fishers last week.
On the air
Listen to all New Palestine football games on Dragon Radio. Join Andrew Smith and Mike Jackson for the play-by-play of NPHS football. Access Dragon Radio by clicking “Dragon HQ” on the athletics website.
JV update
The JV football team is now 5-0 after a 34-0 win over Greenfield-Central. The frosh are 2-3. Both teams face Shelbyville Monday.
Around the HHC STANDINGS New Palestine Yorktown Mt. Vernon Delta Shelbyville Greenfield-Central Pendleton Heights New Castle Last week’s games (Sept. 26) Greenfield-C. at New Palestine, 7:30 Mt. Vernon at Pendleton Hts., 7:30 This week’s games (Oct. 3) New Palestine at Shelbyville, 7 Pendleton Hts. at Delta, 7:30 Next week’s games (Oct. 10) New Palestine at New Castle, 7:30 Shelbyville at Mt. Vernon, 7
Conf. 4-0 3-1 3-1 2-2 2-2 1-3 1-3 0-4
GB -- 1 1 2 2 3 3 4
Overall 6-0 5-1 4-2 3-3 3-3 3-3 3-3 1-5
Delta at New Castle, 7:30 Shelbyville at Yorktown, 7:30 New Castle at Mt. Vernon, 7 Yorktown at Greenfield-Central, 7:30 Greenfield-Central at Delta, 7:30 Yorktown at Pendleton Hts., 7:30
New Palestine Athletics Commitment s Character s Class
The schedules
NEW PALESTINE DRAGONS (6-0, 4-0 HHC) 8/22 DANVILLE W 61-0 8/29 at Richmond W 42-6 9/5 YORKTOWN* W 48-13 9/12 at Mt. Vernon* W 31-3 9/19 at Pendleton Heights* W 56-7 9/26 GREENFIELD-CENTRAL* W 63-0 10/3 at Shelbyville* 7:00 10/10 at New Castle* 7:30 10/17 DELTA* 7:30 *-Hoosier Heritage Conference game SHELBYVILLE GOLDEN BEARS (3-3, 2-2 HHC) 8/22 GREENSBURG W 22-21 8/29 at Franklin L 21-49 9/5 at Delta* L 14-34 9/12 NEW CASTLE* W 48-18 9/19 GREENFIELD-CENTRAL* W 37-13 9/26 at Yorktown* L 14-55 10/3 NEW PALESTINE* 7:00 10/10 at Mt. Vernon* 7:00 10/17 PENDLETON HEIGHTS* 7:00 *-Hoosier Heritage Conference game
Projected starters
NEW PALESTINE OFFENSE WR: 6 Duke Blackwell WR: 7 Adam Kincaid WR: 3 Garrett Kuhn TE: 22 Noah Grable LT: 62 Nick Derheimer LG: 63 David Judy C: 65 Andrew Yazel RG: 70 Matt Moeller RT: 50 Michael Woodall QB: 11 Alex Neligh RB: 32 James Young SPECIALISTS KO: 18 Spencer Corey PK: 18 Spencer Corey/30 Kyle Barton
Rankings
DEFENSE DE: 76 Alex Barnes DT: 74 Thaddeus Muse DE: 55 Trent Mahaney LB: 42 Joe Izbicki LB: 44 Sterling Curran LB: 45 Gabe Estes LB: 22 Noah Grable CB: 7 Adam Kincaid CB: 12 Chaz Hill S: 9 Nick Brickens S: 3 Garrett Kuhn P: 9 Nick Brickens Ret: 6 Blackwell/9 Brickens
New Palestine broke into the Top 10 during Week 4 of the 2013 season and has been there since. The Dragons held station this week in the polls. The Dragons advanced a spot in the AP poll to No. 2 in Week 4, their highest placement since the end of the 2013 regular season, where they were also No. 2. In Week 5, they advanced two spots to No. 2 in the IFCA poll, as well, behind Columbus East and ahead of Chatard. CLASS 4A POLL RANK BY WEEK 2014 Preseason (8/19): IFCA No. 3, AP No. 3 Week 1 (8/26): IFCA No. 4, AP No. 3, Sagarin No. 1 Week 2 (9/2): IFCA No. 4, AP No. 3, Sagarin No. 4 Week 3 (9/9): IFCA No. 4, AP No. 3, Sagarin No. 3 Week 4 (9/16): IFCA No. 4, AP No. 2, Sagarin No. 2 Week 5 (9/23): IFCA No. 2, AP No. 2, Sagarin No. 2 Week 6 (9/30): IFCA No. 2, AP No. 2, Sagarin No. 3
Series history
SERIES HISTORY Tonight marks the 19th meeting between the Dragons and Golden Bears. New Palestine has won four of the last five, but the Bears won 17-13 in the last meeting at McKeand Stadium in 2012. A year ago, NP had a 44-0 victory. The teams have played annually since Shelbyville joined the HHC in 1997. Series tied 9-9 Regular season: Shelbyville leads 9-8 At McKeand Stadium: Shelbyville leads 5-3 10/4/13: NP 44-0 (at NP) 10/1/04: NP 17-14, OT (at S) 9/28/12: S 17-13 (at S) 10/3/03: NP 22-9 (at NP) 9/30/11: NP 49-14 (at NP) 10/4/02: S 34-17 (at S) 10/1/10: NP 31-6 (at S) 9/28/01: S 14-13, OT (at NP) 10/2/09: NP 10-7 (at NP) 9/29/00: S 28-21 (at S) 10/3/08: S 42-14 (at S) 10/1/99: S 24-16 (at NP) 9/28/07: S 34-19 (at NP) 10/2/98: S 21-13 (at S) 9/29/06: NP 17-7 (at S) 10/3/97: S 32-26, OT (at NP) 9/30/05: NP 35-21 (at NP) 10/21/88: NP 38-13 (sect at NP)
Reigning HHC champs
New Palestine is the defending Hoosier Heritage Conference champion, having run the table with a 6-0 record last season. The Dragons have now won five conference titles, tying them with Mt. Vernon for second-most in the league’s 20-year history. NP has won three of the last four championships and has won five titles since 2005, most among HHC schools. HHC HISTORY Most HHC titles (*-shared title) 7: Delta (2000, 2001*, 2002*, 2004, 2005*, 2008, 2009) 5: New Palestine (2005*, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2013) 5: Mt. Vernon (1997*, 1999*, 2001*, 2003, 2012) 4: Hamilton Southeastern (1994, 1995, 1996, 1997*) 3: Pendleton Heights (1997*, 1998, 2002*) 1: Shelbyville (2007) 1: Greenfield-Central (2002*) 1: Yorktown (1999*) HHC champions by year 2003: Mt. Vernon 2013: New Palestine 2012: Mt. Vernon 2002: Delta/G-C/PH 2011: New Palestine 2001: Delta/Mt. Vernon 2010: New Palestine 2000: Delta 2009: Delta 1999: Mt. Vernon/Yorktown 2008: Delta 1998: Pendleton Heights 2007: Shelbyville 1997: HSE/MV/PH 2006: New Palestine 1996: Hamilton Southeastern 2005: New Palestine/Delta 1995: Hamilton Southeastern 2004: Delta 1994: Hamilton Southeastern
HHC lookahead
New Palestine remains the HHC leader, with Yorktown and Mt. Vernon a game back at 3-1. Delta and Shelbyville are tied for fourth at 2-2. The Dragons have already beaten both Yorktown and MV. In addition to the NP-Shelbyville game, MV (3-1) hosts New Castle (0-4); Pendleton Heights (1-3) visits Delta (2-2) and Greenfield-Central (1-3) hosts Yorktown (3-1).
Follow the traveling trophies
New Palestine regained the HHC’s Helmet trophy with a 35-14 victory at Yorktown on Sept. 27, 2013 and successfully defended it seven times, most recently with a 63-0 win over Greenfield-Central on Sept. 26. The Dragons held the Helmet for an HHC record 14 consecutive weeks in 2010-11. NP and Mt. Vernon also play for the Boundary Rail, which the Dragons held for seven consecutive years before surrendering it to MV in 2012. The Dragons regained it in 2013 and defended it with a 31-3 win in Week 4. The piece of interurban track ran close to the rough boundary between the two school districts. NP holds a 9-1 record in the series.
Dragon streaks
New Palestine is in the midst of several streaks right now, having won 15 straight regular-season games and 10 straight HHC contests. New Palestine records MOST CONSECUTIVE REGULAR-SEASON WINS 21: Aug. 19, 1983-Aug. 30, 1985 17: Aug. 27, 2010-Oct. 14, 2011 15: Aug. 23, 2013-present MOST CONSECUTIVE HHC WINS 20: Sept. 4, 2009-Oct. 14, 2011 (HHC record) 10: Sept. 6, 2013-present MOST CONSECUTIVE HOME WINS 38: Sept. 12, 1986-Oct. 2, 1992 9: Aug. 30, 2013-present
20 in 12
The Dragons’ potent offense also made a habit of scoring in bunches in 2013. They carried over the penchant for 20-point quarters into 2014, starting the season with 21 points in the first quarter of each of the first three games. The Dragons have had six 20-point quarters in the first five games this year. 20-point quarters in 2014 (7 in 5 games) 28 points, 9/26 vs. Greenfield-Central (2nd quarter) 21 points, 9/19 at Pendleton Heights (3rd quarter) 28 points, 9/19 at Pendleton Heights (2nd quarter) 21 points, 9/5 vs. Yorktown (1st quarter) 21 points, 8/29 at Richmond (1st quarter) 26 points, 8/22 vs. Danville (2nd quarter) 21 points, 8/22 vs. Danville (1st quarter)
New Palestine Athletics Commitment s Character s Class
Coming off perfection
The 2013 season marked the fifth undefeated regular season in school history, the best start in school history and the most wins in school history. Undefeated regular seasons in New Palestine history 2013: Final record 13-1 (HHC, sectional champs) 2011: Final record 11-1 (HHC champs) 1988: Final record 10-1 (BBRC champs) 1984: Final record 10-1 (BBRC, cluster champs) 1983: Final record 10-1 (BBRC, cluster champs)
State leaders
New Palestine is among the leaders in Class 4A in scoring, defense and win margin. Among all schools, NP is 6th in the state in scoring (+3 from last week), 1st in scoring defense (+2 from last week) and 4th in victory margin (+1 from last week). 4A scoring leaders: 1. Columbus East (56.3), 2. New Palestine (50.2), 3. Beech Grove (48.3), 4. Hammond Morton (46.0), 5. New Prairie (45.2) 4A scoring defense: 1. New Palestine (4.8), 2. SB St. Joseph (7.8), 3. Columbus East (8.8), 4. Leo (9.5), 5. Lebanon (10.0) 4A victory margin: 1. Columbus East (47.5), 2. New Palestine (45.3), 3. Evansville Reitz (28.3), 4. Plymouth (24.5), 5. Jasper (24.2) Overall scoring leaders: 1. North Vermillion (62.0), 2. Rensselaer (61.2), 3. Columbus East (56.3), 4. Gibson Southern (55.0), 5. Fountain Central (50.3), 6. New Palestine (50.2) Overall scoring defense: 1. New Palestine (4.8), 2. Lafayette Catholic (6.2), 3. North Vermillion (6.5), 4. Tri-West (7.0), 5. Whiting (7.5) Overall victory margin: 1. North Vermillion (55.5), 2. Rensselaer (48.2), 3. Columbus East (47.5), 4. New Palestine (45.3), 5. Gibson Southern (42.5)
Setting records
The New Palestine football team’s offensive prowess this season is rewriting the school’s record book. Last week’s 63-0 win over Greenfield-Central was the fifth-highest scoring game and second-largest win margin in school history, and was two points shy of setting the record for most points in consecutive games. The Dragons have had a number of team records fall this year. MOST POINTS, 1st 2 GAMES OF A SEASON 110: 2013 (64-8 Danville, 46-2 Richmond) 103: 2014 (61-0 Danville, 42-6 Richmond) 97: 1984 (48-0 Tri, 49-6 Beech Grove) 81: 1988 (47-0 Tri, 34-13 Mt. Vernon) 72: 1989 (32-0 Tri, 40-6 Mt. Vernon) MOST POINTS, 1st 3 GAMES OF A SEASON 156: 2013 (64-8 Danville, 46-2 Richmond, 46-7 Pendleton Heights) 151: 2014 (61-0 Danville, 42-6 Richmond, 48-13 Yorktown) 139: 1984 (48-0 Tri, 49-6 Beech Grove, 42-0 South Decatur) 105: 1988 (47-0 Tri, 34-13 Mt. Vernon, 24-16 Shenandoah) 101: 1987 (36-16 Tri, 24-8 Mt. Vernon, 41-0 Shenandoah) MOST POINTS, 2 CONSECUTIVE GAMES 121: 1986 (57-7 Lapel, 64-0 Whiteland) 119: 2014 (56-7 Pendleton Heights, 63-0 Greenfield-Central) 115: 2013 (62-40 Pendleton Heights, 53-0 Muncie South) 112: 1982 (57-0 Tri, 55-0 Morristown) 107: 2005 (56-0 Rushville, 51-14 Yorktown) MOST POINTS, 3 CONSECUTIVE GAMES 160: 1986 (39-12 Eastern Hancock, 57-7 Lapel, 64-0 Whiteland) 160: 1982 (48-0 Wes-Del, 57-0 Tri, 55-0 Morristown) 156: 2013 (64-8 Danville, 46-2 Richmond, 46-7 Pendleton Heights) 154: 2005 (51-14 Yorktown, 35-21 Shelbyville, 68-14 Greenfield-Central) 151: 2011 (53-0 Rushville, 49-14 Yorktown, 49-13 Shelbyville) 150: 2014 (31-3 Mt. Vernon, 56-7 Pendleton Hts., 63-0 Greenfield-Central) MOST POINTS IN A GAME 68: 10/7/05 vs. Greenfield-Central (68-14) 64: 8/23/13 at Danville (64-8) 64: 10/24/86 vs. Whiteland (64-0) 64: 9/19/69 vs. Knightstown (64-34) 63: 9/26/14 vs. Greenfield-Central (63-0) BIGGEST VICTORY MARGIN 64, 10/24/86 vs. Whiteland (64-0) 63: 9/26/14 vs. Greenfield-Central (63-0) 62: 9/19/03 vs. Rushville (62-0) 61: 8/22/14 vs. Danville (61-0) 57: 10/15/82 vs. Tri (57-0)
Turn it over
The New Palestine defense has forced 13 turnovers the last three weeks. In the last two weeks, the Dragons have forced 10 turnovers and committed none. NP had three fumble recoveries and three interceptions in Week 5 against Pendleton Heights, and then had two fumble recoveries and two interceptions in Week 6 against Greenfield-Central, returning one of each for a score against the Cougars. The Dragons are +13 (6 giveaways, 19 takeaways) this season.
Play fast, score faster
New Palestine has made a habit of scoring quick TDs under coach Kyle Ralph. In the first six weeks of 2014, the Dragons have scored twice in less than 150 seconds nine times, and have done so in each game. FASTEST 2 SCORES by NEW PALESTINE 2014 1:09: 9/26 vs. Greenfield-Central. James Young 34 run 2:09 2Q; Noah Grable 6 fumble return, 1:00 2Q 1:32: 8/22 vs. Danville. Noah Grable 27 pass from Alex Neligh, 7:40 2Q; Alex Neligh 41 run, 6:08 2Q 1:43: 9/12 at Mt. Vernon. Spencer Corey 32 FG, 6:17 2Q; Duke Blackwell 21 pass from Alex Neligh, 4:36 2Q 1:49: 8/22 vs. Danville James Young 2 run 9:29 2Q; Noah Grable 27 pass from Alex Neligh, 7:40 2Q 1:53: 9/26 vs. Greenfield-Central. Sterling Curran 2 run 4:02 2Q; James Young 34 run 2:09 2Q 2:05: 9/5 vs. Yorktown. Garrett Kuhn 28 pass from Alex Neligh 8:35 1Q; Duke Blackwell 25 pass from Alex Neligh 6:30 1Q 2:27: 9/19 at Pendleton Hts. Duke Blackwell 9 pass from Alex Neligh 11:55 2Q; Noah Grable 48 pass from Alex Neligh 9:28 2Q 2:28: 8/29 at Richmond. James Young 1 run 1:23 1Q; James Young 1 run 10:55 2Q 2:30 8/29 at Richmond. Chaz Hill 39 run 9:49 1Q; Joe Izbicki 4 pass from Alex Neligh 7:19 1Q FASTEST 3 SCORES by NEW PALESTINE 2014 3:02: 9/26 vs. Greenfield-Central. Sterling Curran 2 run 4:02 2Q; James Young 34 run 2:09 2Q; Noah Grable 6 fumble return 1:00 2Q 3:21: 8/22 vs. Danville. James Young 2 run 9:29 2Q; Noah Grable 27 pass from Alex Neligh, 7:40 2Q; Alex Neligh 41 run, 6:08 2Q. FASTEST SCORE FROM THE START OF A GAME :45: 9/5 vs. Yorktown. Noah Grable 65 pass from Alex Neligh, 11:15 1Q
We will run 500 yards
In the Week 5 victory over Pendleton Heights, the Dragons amassed 539 yards of total offense, their most since totaling a school-record 744 against PH in the 2013 sectional. Big-yardage games under coach Kyle Ralph have been the norm, with the team averaging 444 yards per game in 2013. MOST YARDS TOTAL OFFENSE (450 and up) since 2013 744: 10/25/13 at Pendleton Hts. (443 rush, 301 pass, W 62-40) 678: 9/6/13 vs. Pendleton Hts. (348 rush, 330 pass, W 46-7) 593: 8/23/13 at Danville (326 rush, 267 pass, W 64-8) 558: 11/1/13 at Muncie South (376 rush, 182 pass, W 53-0) 539: 9/19/14 at Pendleton Hts (337 rush, 202 pass, W 56-7) 497: 9/13/13 at Delta (326 rush, 171 pass, W 41-14) 496: 8/22/14 vs. Danville (309 rush, 187 pass, W 61-0) 479: 9/27/14 at Yorktown (255 rush, 224 pass, W 35-14)
Neligh a run-pass threat
Junior Alex Neligh becomes the Dragons’ starting quarterback this season. He nearly equaled a rare feat in his first start, running for 98 yards and throwing for 187 against Danville. 2013 senior Blake Luker hit the 100/100 milestone several times a year ago. Neligh had his first 200-yard passing game with 229 yards on 14-of-24 passing against Richmond. That game featured several explosive plays -- a 45-yard pass to Duke Blackwell, a 41-yard pass to Noah Grable, and a 30-yard pass to Logan Greene. ALEX NELIGH’S TOP PASSING GAMES 223: 8/29/14 at Richmond (14-of-24, 1 TD, W 42-6) 204: 9/12/14 at Mt. Vernon (15-of-21, 2 TD, W 31-3) 202: 9/19/14 at Pendleton Heights (8-of-12, 3 TD, W 56-7)
3-for-3-for-6
Junior QB Alex Neligh had a perfect start to the game against Yorktown. His first three pass attempts went for touchdowns -- a 65-yarder to Noah Grable, a 28-yarder to Garrett Kuhn and a 25-yarder to Duke Blackwell. They gave NP a 21-0 lead just 5:30 into an eventual 48-13 victory.
Keeping the streak alive
Junior QB Alex Neligh had just one completion (on 4 attempts) in the Week 6 win over Greenfield-Central, but it kept alive his streak of six games with a touchdown pass. Neligh hit Duke Blackwell for a 75-yard TD pass on third-and-24 in the third quarter of a 63-0 win.
Mr. Touchdown
Senior RB James Young has been the Dragons’ closer. In the last two weeks, he has crossed the goal line four times in each game, with runs of 1, 1, 1 and 67 against Pendleton Heights Sept. 19, and TD runs of 10, 13, 34 and 5 yards against Greenfield-Central Sept. 26. Through the first six weeks of the 2014 season, he has four games with at least three TDs, scoring three each in the first two games.
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A Young century
Senior running back James Young hit the millenium mark a year ago, rushing for 1,250 yards in 2013. It was the largest total for a New Palestine back since Eric Alcorn ran for 1,629 yards in 2005. Young topped the 100-yard mark five times in the last six games last season, and six times overall in 2013. His 266-yard game against Pendleton Heights in the sectional was the most since Nick Survant ran for 236 on Oct. 5, 2012. Young continued his run with two three-TD games in the season openers, then a 166-yard, 31-carry effort against Yorktown in Week 3. He now has nine 100-yard games, including three this season. He has eclipsed the 100-yard mark in three of the Dragons’ four HHC games this year. In the Dragons’ four tournament wins last season, Young averaged 182 yards per game and scored eight touchdowns. James Young’s 100-yard rushing games (9, 3 this season) 266 yards, 10/25/13 at Pendleton Heights (29 carries) 187 yards, 11/1/13 at Muncie South (25 carries) 166 yards, 9/5/14 vs. Yorktown (31 carries) 159 yards, 9/6/13 vs. Pendleton Heights (24 carries) 153 yards, 11/15/13 vs. Chatard (14 carries) 151 yards, 9/19/14 at Pendleton Heights (23 carries) 120 yards, 11/8/13 vs. Mt. Vernon (26 carries) 110 yards, 10/11/13 at Greenfield-Central (11 carries) 103 yards, 9/26/14 vs. Greenfield-Central (12 carries)
Return to sender
The New Palestine defense and special teams have managed to get 5 scores already this season, with a fake punt & a blocked punt TD vs. Richmond and three more scores, including two safeties, against Mt. Vernon. That builds off a 2013 season in which the Dragons had four return touchdowns and four safeties. 2014 defensive/special teams scores Touchdown: 9/26 vs. Greenfield-Central. Noah Grable 78-yard INT return Touchdown: 9/26 vs. Greenfield-Central. Noah Grable 6-yard fum return Safety: 9/12 at Mt. Vernon. Fumbled punt snap out of end zone Touchdown: 9/12 at Mt. Vernon. Nick Brickens 55-yard punt return Safety: 9/12 at Mt. Vernon. QB fumbled ball out of end zone Touchdown: 8/29 at Richmond. Chaz Hill 39-yard run on fake punt Touchdown: 8/29 at Richmond. Adam Kincaid rec blk punt in end zone 2013 defensive/special teams scores Touchdown: 11/22 vs. Columbus East. Garrett Kuhn 65 blocked FG Safety: 10/11 vs. Greenfield-Central. Nick Buckhorn tackled runner Touchdown 10/11 vs. Greenfield-Central. Nick Brickens 60 INT return Safety: 10/4 vs. Shelbyville. Nick Brickens tackled runner in end zone Touchdown: 8/30 vs. Richmond. Gabe Estes 35 fumble return Touchdown: 8/30 vs. Richmond. Garrett Kuhn 61 interception return Safety: 8/23 at Danville. Noah Grable sacked quarterback in end zone Safety: 8/23 at Danville. Nick Derheimer sacked QB in end zone
Red Rage pitching donuts
New Palestine’s defense earned the team’s first shutout in a season opener since the 1989 season, when the Dragons blanked Tri 32-0. That gave NP a run of five shutouts in its last nine games. The four shutouts put up by the 2013 team (vs. Shelbyville Oct. 4, Mt. Vernon Oct. 18, Muncie South Nov. 1, Mt. Vernon Nov. 8) are the most since the 2011 team hs three shutouts in a season. The school record for shutouts in a season is six, set by the 1990 state runner-up team. Most shutouts in a season 1990: 6 (9/14 vs. Zionsville, 9/21 at Beech Grove , 9/28 vs. Triton Central, 10/5 at Eastern Hancock, 10/12 vs. Franklin, 10/26 vs. Alexandria) 1983: 5 (8/26 at Lapel; 9/2 vs. Beech Grove, 9/9 vs. South Decatur, 10/7 vs. Eastern Hancock, 10/19 vs. Morristown) 1982: 5 (8/28 at Covington, 9/10 at Eastern Hancock, 10/8 at Wes-Del, 10/15 vs. Tri, 10/22 vs. Morristown) 1973: 5 (8/30 vs. Edinburgh, 9/13 vs. Eastern Hancock, 9/27 at South Decatur, 10/26 at Mt. Vernon, 11/2 vs. North Decatur) 2013: 4 (10/4 vs. Shelbyville, 10/18 vs. Mt. Vernon, 11/1 at Muncie South, 11/8 vs. Mt. Vernon) 1986: 4 (9/12 vs. Shenandoah, 9/19 vs. Knightstown, 10/3 vs. Triton Central, 10/24 vs. Whiteland)
Grable finds end zone
Senior Noah Grable has found the end zone many different ways this season. He had three TDs the traditional route -- via receptions from his tight end position -- in the year’s first five weeks. But in the Week 6 win over Greenfield-Central, Grable got there on defense. The linebacker intecepted a pass and ran it back 78 yards to give the Dragons a 21-0 lead in the second quarter. Later in the period, he scooped up a fumble caused by Nick Brickens and ran it into the end zone from 6 yards out. They were the Dragons’ first defensive scores since Week 8 of the 2013 season, also against Greenfield-Central.
Sack dances
Senior Noah Grable is the team’s sack king. He and teammate Brian Wagner had 18 sacks each last season, setting a school record for sacks in a single season. He added three to the total in Week 1 for 21. Sterling Curran had three sacks in the Week 2 win at Richmond. In Week 3, Curran and Grable had three sacks each, and Gabe Estes had five.
High-scoring streak
New Palestine is looking to equal a school record set in 1987 and tied a year ago if it can break the 40-point barrier. The Dragons have scored 40-plus points in each of their three games so far this season. A year ago, the Dragons tied a school record with four consecutive 40-point games. 40 points in back-to-back-to-back games 1987 vs. E.Hancock (40-13), Lapel (49-7), Batesville (48-0), Whtland (42-8) 2013 vs. Danville (64-8), Richmond (46-2), Pend. Hts (46-7), Delta (41-14) 2014 vs. Danville (61-0), Richmond (42-6), Yorktown (48-13) 2011 vs. Rushville (53-0), Yorktown (49-14), Shelbyville (49-13) 1987 vs. Shenandoah (41-0), Knightstown (50-0), Beech Grove (52-9) 1984 vs. Tri (48-0), Beech Grove (49-6), South Decatur (42-0) 1982 vs. Wes-Del (48-0), Tri (57-0), Morristown (55-0)
300 wins! (and counting)
The Dragons won their 300th game in school history in Week 5, beating Pendleton Heights 56-7. The 300 wins have come over a 47-year span. The 100th win came in the 18th season of varsity football (1985), the 200th came in the 33rd (2001), and the 300th in the 47th. . Milestone wins (through Sept. 19. 2014) 1: 9/6/68: New Palestine 37, Hamilton Southeastern 13 50: 9/22/78: New Palestine 20, Mt. Vernon 14 100: 10/25/85: New Palestine 21, Brookville 0 (sectional) 150: 11/9/90: New Palestine 20, Chatard 12 (regional) 200: 9/21/01: New Palestine 14, Yorktown 10 250: 8/22/09: New Palestine 22, Whiteland 16, OT 300: 9/19/14: New Palestine 56, Pendleton Heights 7 QUEST FOR 300 WINS BY DECADE 1960s: 9 (9-9) 1990s: 57 (57-47) 1970s: 47 (47-48-2) 2000s: 63 (63-51) 1980s: 83 (83-25) 2010s: 41 (41-11) WINS BY OPPONENT (55 different schools) 30: Mt. Vernon 25: Triton Central 18: Eastern Hancock 16: Greenfield-Central, Rushville 15: Pendleton Heights, Tri 14: Yorktown 11: Indian Creek 10: Knightstown WINS BY HEAD COACH 200: Marvin Shepler (1968-2001) 49: Doug Armstrong (2002-08) 30: Tim Able (2009-11) 18: Kyle Ralph (2013-present) 3: Charlie Hill (2012) MOST WINS IN A SEASON (*-undefeated regular season) 13-1: 2013 (HHC, regional champs)* 12-2: 1990 (state runner-up) 11-1: 2011 (HHC champs)* 11-2: 1987 (regional champs) 10-1: 1983 (BBRC, cluster champs)* 10-1: 1984 (BBRC, cluster champs)* 10-1: 1988 (BBRC champs)* 10-2: 1989 (sectional champs) 10-3: 2009 (sectional champs) 10-3: 2005 (HHC, sectional champs) 10-3: 2004 (sectional champs) OTHER FACTS WIns at Kelso Stadium: 155 Away: 140 Wins at neutral sites: 5 (2-Lucas Oil Stadium, 2-RCA Dome, 1-Warren C.) IHSAA tournament wins: 43 HHC wins: 79 Sectional titles (7): 1987, 1989, 1990, 2004, 2005, 2009, 2013 Regional titles (3): 1987, 1990, 2013 Semistate titles (1): 1990 Conference titles (13): 1978, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1988 (Big Blue River Conference), 1992 (Rangeline conference), 2005, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2013 (Hoosier Heritage Conference) School closers: Brookville (1988), Anderson Highland (2009), Muncie South (2013) (last game for opponent before school closed/consolidated)
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Record-toppers
Last year’s Dragons rewrote the school’s record book. Among the records set in 2013 Tyler Walden: Career (2,134), single-season (1,231) and single-game (212) receiving yards; caeer (139), season (86) and single-game (14) receptions; career (22) touchdown receptions. Blake Luker: Career (4,494), single-season (3,761) and single-game (471) total offense; career (64) and single-season (54) total offense touchdowns. Career touchdown passes (40). Career (239) and single-season (176) completions. Noah Grable/Brian Wagner: Single-season sacks (18) Team: Most points, single-season (571); Most points in a game, both teams (102, 62-40 win over Pendleton Heights 10/25/13); most consecutive wins (13), most wins in a season (13), most total yards (6,230), single-game total yards (744 vs. Pendleton Heights)
Meet Coach Ralph
Second-year NPHS head coach Kyle Ralph is the fifth head coach in NPHS history, and the third to lead the Dragons to an undefeated regular season, joining Marvin Shepler and Tim Able. He is the first to win his first 13 games as a Dragons head coach. Coach Ralph is a 2002 graduate of Cincinnati St. Xavier High School, where he was a standout offensive lineman. He played collegiately at the University of North Carolina for head coach John Bunting, where he was a two-time First Team All-ACC performer. In 2005, his senior season, he was the ACC’s Coastal Division Offensive Lineman of the Year. He has also participated in NFL training camps with the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers. He began his coaching career at St. Xavier in 2007, then became the co-offensive coordinator at Oak Hills High School near Cincinnati in 2008. He served there for three seasons, before becoming the offensive line coach and offensive coordinator at Withrow University High School in Cincinnati in 2011 and 2012. At Withrow, Ralph’s team averaged 34.4 points and 335 total yards per game in 2012. In two years there, his teams went 14-6 overall. At Oak Hills, his 2010 offense broke or tied five school rushing records. His first New Palestine team rewrote the school record book, averaging more than 40 points per game and gaining 6,230 yards. Under his tutelage, the team produced its career and single-season total offense (Blake Luker) and receiving (Tyler Walden) leaders. In 2013, Luker, Walden and James Young became the first trio in NP history to give the team a 2,000-yard passer and a 1,000 yard rusher and receiver in the same season. Coach Ralph also has seven seasons of experience coaching track and field. He teaches world history and advanced PE at NPHS. New Palestine’s head coaches Kyle Ralph (2013-) 19-1 Charlie Hill (2012) 3-7 Tim Able (2009-11) 30-6 Doug Armstrong (2002-08) 49-31 Marvin Shepler (1968-2001): 200-146-2
About Kelso Stadium/Shepler Field
The Dragons’ home turf Is named for two New Palestine luminaries. Kelso Stadium was dedicated in honor of former NPHS principal Robert Kelso shortly after he passed away in 1983. The playing field itself is Shepler Field – named for NPHS teacher and Hall of Fame football coach Marvin Shepler. The only coach in Dragons history for the program’s first 34 years, Shepler led New Palestine to three sectional titles, three undefeated regular seasons and the 1990 State Finals.
Pronounciation guide New Palestine 11 Alex Neligh 19 Gunnar Large 33 James Crumlin 42 Joe Izbicki 44 Sterling Curran 55 Trent Mahaney 62 Nick Derheimer 65 Andrew Yazel 66 Nick Jassaud 73 Denny Alyea
“New pal-uh-STEEN” “NEE-ly” “Gunner” “CRUM-lynn” “IS-bick-y” “CURR-un” “muh-HAIN-ee” “DARE-hime-ur” “YAY-zul” “JUS-oad” “AL-yay”
2014 season highs
INDIVIDUAL Rushing yards: 166, James Young vs. Yorktown 9/5 Rushing attempts: 31, James Young vs. Yorktown 9/5 Rushing touchdowns: 4, James Young at Pendleton Heights 9/19; James Young vs. Greenfield-Central 9/26 Passing yards: 229, Alex Neligh at Richmond 8/29 Pass completions: 15, Alex Neligh at Mt. Vernon 9/12 Pass attempts: 24, Alex Neligh at Richmond 8/29 Pass touchdowns: 3, Alex Neligh vs. Yorktown 9/5, at Pendleton Heights 9/19 Receiving yards: 116, Duke Blackwell vs. Danville 8/22 Receptions: 8, Noah Grable at Mt. Vernon 9/12 Receiving touchdowns: 1, Noah Grable vs. Danville 8/22; Joe Izbicki at Richmond 8/29; Duke Blackwell, Garrett Kuhn and Noah Grable vs. Yorktown 9/5; Noah Grable, Duke Blackwell at Mt. Vernon 9/12; Noah Grable, Duke Blackwell and Garrett Kuhn at Pendleton Heights 9/19; Duke Blackwell vs. Greenfield-Central 9/26 Total offense: 285, Alex Neligh vs. Danville 8/22 (187 passing, 98 rushing) Yards from scrimmage: 166, James Young vs. Yorktown 9/5 Longest rush: 67 yards, James Young vs. Pendleton Heights 9/26 Longest pass: 85 yards, Alex Neligh to Garrett Kuhn at Pend. Hts 9/19 Most sacks: 5, Gabe Estes vs. Yorktown 9/5 Most interceptions: 3, Garrett Kuhn at Mt. Vernon 9/12 TEAM Total yards: 539, at Pendleton Heights 9/19 Rushing yards: 337, at Pendleton Heights 9/19 Rushing attempts: 44, at Pendleton Heights 9/19 Passing yards: 229 at Richmond 8/29 Pass completions: 15 at Mt. Vernon 9/12 Pass attempts: 24 at Richmond 8/29 Total plays: 60, vs. Danville 8/22 First downs: 20, vs. Danville 8/22 Pass touchdowns: 3, vs. Yorktown 9/5; at Pendleton Heights 9/19 Points: 63, vs. Greenfield-Central 9/26 Points in a quarter: 28, 2nd quarter at Pendleton Heights 9/19; 2nd quarter vs. Greenfield-Central 9/26 Points in a half: 47, 1st half vs. Danville 8/22 Fewest points allowed allowed: 0, vs. Danville 8/22; vs. GreenfieldCentral 9/26 Fewest rushing yards allowed: -10, at Pendleton Heights 9/19 Fewest passing yards allowed: 45, vs. Danville 8/22 Fewest total yards allowed: 109, vs. Greenfield-Central 9/26 Fewest first downs allowed: 8, vs. Danville 8/22; at Mt. Vernon 9/12 Turnovers caused: 6, at Pendleton Heights 9/19 Most interceptions: 3, at Mt. Vernon 9/12, at Pendleton Heights 9/19 Most fumble recoveries: 3, at Pendleton Heights 9/19 Turnover ratio: +6, at Pendleton Heights 9/19
Record when
Home: 3-0 Road: 3-0 vs. 5A: 1-0 vs. 4A: 4-0 vs. 3A: 1-0 vs. HHC: 4-0 vs. NCC: 1-0 vs. Sagamore: 1-0 Scoring at least 20: 6-0 30: 6-0 40: 5-0 Allowing less than 30: 6-0 20: 6-0 10: 5-0 300 yds offense: 5-0 400: 3-0 500: 1-0 Allowing
