PENDLETON — It was an all-around, solid team win for Pendleton Heights as it scored — almost at will — while punishing Anderson on defense en route to a 51-13 romp Friday, Aug. 24, in the Arabians’ home opener.
The game was never in doubt as nine Arabians carried the ball for 246 yards on the ground, and the passing game produced 186 yards and five touchdowns.
The Arabians defense was just as strong against Anderson, recording nine sacks for a total loss of 57 yards, all while holding the Indians to 47 yards rushing.
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The victory was a great team effort, head coach Jed Richman said.
“Offensively, we always take what the opponent gives us,” Richman said. “I was happy with how we spread the ball around.”
The victory gives Pendleton Heights a 2-0 record heading into Hoosier Heritage Conference play at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31, at New Castle High School.
Quarterback Christian Conkling got things going for the Arabians when he hit Eli Pancol for an 18-yard touchdown — one of four TDs on the night from the duo — at the 8:10 mark in the first quarter.
The Conkling-to-Pancol show struck again a few minutes later, this time for a 10-yard TD toss and a 14-0 lead after one quarter of play.
The Arabians defense, which badgered Indians quarterback Xander Stokes all night, got on the board in the second quarter when Anakin Allison intercepted Stokes at the Anderson 11-yard line and took it in for the score and a 21-0 Arabians lead.
Pendleton Heights then went to work on the ground, giving running back Kamden Early a shot. He proved more than worthy, breaking loose for a 32-yard TD run at the 8:05 mark in the second quarter for a 28-0 lead.
Then Conkling and Pancol hooked up for an eight-yard touchdown toss, making it 35-0 with 3:40 left in the second quarter.
“I thought our kids played extremely hard, and a lot of big plays were made because of our relentless effort on both sides of the ball and special teams,” Richman said.
Anderson finally got on the board right before halftime with a 40-yard punt return by Ma’son Cullum, making it a 35-7 ball game at the half.
Conkling and Pancol then responded in the third quarter with their fourth score of the night. This time it was a throw down the middle for a 58-yard pass, making the score 42-7.
Conkling then hit Tristen Spinks for a 19-yard TD pass, but Nick Taylor, who’d been stellar with his point after attempts, missed his first extra point.
Anderson got its second TD on a six-yard pass from Stokes to Qualls Malachi with 10:25 left in the game, but the extra point was no good.
With 3:26 left in the fourth quarter, Taylor bounced back from missing his lone extra point for the Arabians by scoring a 19-yard field goal, topping off the blowout.
Early was the work horse on the ground for the Arabians and finished with 15 carries for 119 yards and the one touchdown. Conkling was nine of 11, passing for 168 yards and five touchdowns, while Pancol caught six passes for 125 yards and four TDs.
The Arabians had 408 total yards on offense and accrued 11 penalties.