PENDLETON–Pendleton Heights had plenty of opportunities Monday, September 18, as they hosted New Castle in a key Hoosier Heritage Conference matchup. The defense was strong and the players ran the offense well, the Arabians just could not find the net when they had the chances.
Carter Brown of New Castle scored on a 30-yard boot that just made it under the crossbar with 1:16 left in the first overtime and the Trojans held on for a 3-2 win over the Arabians.
With the loss, the Arabians fall to 2-2 in HHC play, likely ending any chance to catch the 6-0 Mt. Vernon Marauders for a conference title.
“We put ourselves in a good spot in conference play, but unfortunately with two losses, we’re looking at second place at best,” coach Kyle Davy said. “At the end of the day, we’re not going to win conference, but we’re going to come out with a good game plan Thursday against Mt. Vernon.
The Arabians scored first during regulation when junior Ethan Schitter scored at the 30:56 mark of the first half off an assist from senior Drew DeLey.
The Trojans tied the score at 1-1 with 14:05 left in the first half on a goal from Jayden Centner and took the lead at the 28:40 mark of the second half when Brady Firle scored off a corner kick.
With time running out, Schitter and junior Abe Bohlsen ran a perfect give and go with Bohlsen capping the play with his team-leading fifth goal of the season.
Pendleton Heights (6-5) just missed a chance to take the lead with just over two minutes remaining. Sophomore Kai Moore’s attempt glanced off the crossbar, resulting in the game heading to overtime.
As it turned out, Moore also had a chance to tie the game late in the second overtime, but also just missed. Moore’s chances were just two of many that the Arabians missed out on during the match, which frustrates their coach.
“That’s been the story of our past couple games,” Davy said. “We’ve played a couple teams that we should be able to put away. But, for whatever reason, we can’t find the back of the net. It’s not for a lack of trying, I can tell you that.”
The Arabians will travel to Lawrence North tonight for a 7 p.m. start before hosting Mt. Vernon Thursday, also at 7 p.m.