NEW CASTLE — The Pendleton Heights Arabians traveled to New Castle looking to be tested, and they passed with flying colors, shutting out the Trojans 35-0 Sept. 2.
The win opened the season for the Arabians in Hoosier Heritage Conference play.
Quarterback Isaac Wilson returned to the lineup after an injury and went 8-11 for 51 yards and scored one touchdown. Colton Frank, who started the game in the win over Anderson, came in later in the game and also scored for the Arabians.
While Wilson and Frank combined to lead the Arabian rushing, Jared Hess and Quinton DeVault added to the Pendleton Heights scoring tally with a touchdown apiece.
Eli Arthur showed a dominating defensive effort with his Pick 6 in the second half. The Arabians’ defense helped account for the negative 72 yards rushing for the Trojans.
“I see us growing up,” coach Jed Richman said.
Wilson, who was a receiver for the Arabians last season, had his second varsity start, and Richman was proud.
“I really thought he showed a lot of moxie tonight and was making good reads on his options.”
While pleased with both quarterbacks performances, Richman said they still need to work better in the red zone.
“We kind of stalled out there multiple times,” Richman said.
“Whoa,” was Richman’s overview of his defense. “They really dialed it up tonight and got after it.”
In addition to Arthur’s interception, he added two sacks to his stats.
“He was more disciplined. Eli played a whale of a game,” Richman said.
He also pointed to Nolan Souders as having an exemplary game. Souders had six solo tackles and two assists.
At 2-1 and a nod at No. 22 in the Max Preps Class 4A rankings, the Arabians face another HHC opponent Friday at Greenfield-Central.
The Cougars are ranked 13th in Class 4A and will be a major test for both the Arabian defense and offense.
The Cougars are 2-1 coming off a 35-28 loss to 10th ranked Mt. Vernon. Andrew Zellers is Greenfield’s top rusher. He’s averaging more than 120 yards per game with 361 yards on 55 carries.
Dallas Freeman is Greenfield’s young quarterback, but the sophomore is putting up an average of 97 yards per game. His receivers Owen Anderson and Kirk Knecht are combining for an average of 89 yards per game.
On the defense, Knecht has four interceptions so far this season, while Brad Allen leads Greenfield in sacks.
Kickoff at Greenfield is at 7 p.m.
