New Palestine is on an 11-game streak of home wins (dating back to last season), while Bloomington South is on an eight-game streak of away wins (also dating back to last season): one of those streaks is about to end. The Dragons will challenge the Panthers at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. New Palestine's defense has only allowed five points per game this season, so Bloomington South's offense will have their work cut out for them.
New Palestine is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Friday. They enjoyed a cozy 20-6 win over East Central. The score was all tied up 6-6 at the break, but the Dragons were the (much) better team in the second half.
Caden Jacobia
| 11/14/25 @ East Central | 160 |
| 11/07/25 vs Cathedral | 49 |
| 10/31/25 @ Plainfield | 62 |
| 10/17/25 @ Delta | 65 |
| 10/10/25 vs New Castle | 57 |
| + 8 more games |
It was another big night for Caden Jacobia, who rushed for 160 yards and a pair of touchdowns while picking up 7.3 yards per carry. That's the most rushing yards he has posted since back in November of 2024. Jacob Davis helped out on the ground, rushing for 98 yards.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: New Palestine was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 270 rushing yards. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as East Central only rushed for 139.
Another reason for the win was New Palestine's imposing defense, which managed to get into the backfield for three sacks. Sam Hirschy refused to say out of the backfield, picking up two sacks all by himself. New Palestine got some further help from Garrett Ranes: he made 15 total tackles (2.0 for loss).
Meanwhile, everything came up roses for Bloomington South against Floyd Central on Friday as the team secured a 55-7 victory. That looming 55-7 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Panthers yet this season.
Bloomington South's win came from a few key players New Palestine will need to keep an eye on. One of the most notable was Duncan Combs, who threw for 174 yards and two TDs while completing 71.4% of his passes, and also punched in one rushing score. Braylen Townsend helped Combs out on the ground, rushing for 104 yards and one score on only 13 carries.
Bloomington South didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Charlie Morris and Gabe Taylor. Morris is also on a roll when it comes to total tackles, as he's now made six or more in each of the last nine games he's played.
New Palestine's record is now 12-0. As for Bloomington South, their record now sits at 11-1.
Friday's game might be decided on the ground. New Palestine has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 265.1 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Bloomington South struggles in that department as they've been averaging 188.9 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Everything came up roses for New Palestine against Bloomington South in their previous meeting back in November of 2019, as the squad secured a 45-0 win. Do the Dragons have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Panthers turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
