Two dominant backs in Josh Ranes and Dylan Krehl are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. The New Palestine Dragons will face off against the East Noble Knights at 3:00 p.m. on Friday. Each of these teams will be battling to keep a 12-game winning streak alive.
New Palestine is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Friday. They breezed by Martinsville to the tune of 43-7. Considering the Dragons have won 11 contests by more than 20 points this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Caden Jacobia had a dynamite game for New Palestine, rushing for 117 yards and three touchdowns on only 12 carries. Those 117 rushing yards gave Jacobia a new career-high. Another back making a difference was Ranes, who rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown.
New Palestine was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 287 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 176 rushing yards in 13 consecutive games.
New Palestine didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. It was truly a group effort as Desmond Palmer, Garrett Ranes, and Austin McMahan picked up one apiece.
Mishawaka typically has all the answers at home, but on Friday East Noble proved too difficult a challenge. They managed an 18-13 victory over the Cavemen.
Krehl was his usual excellent self, rushing for 153 yards and a touchdown. That high mark didn't come from nowhere: he posted at least 121 rushing yards in the fifth games prior. Rylee Biddle was in the mix too, providing East Noble with two touchdowns.
New Palestine's win was their fifth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 13-0-1. They've dominated over that stretch too, winning by an average of 32 points. As for East Noble, their record now sits at 13-1.
Friday's match might be decided in the on the ground. New Palestine has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 245.1 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like East Noble struggles in that department as they've been averaging 226.3. It's looking like Friday's matchup might have some serious battles in the trenches. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
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