Guerin Catholic’s Jack Linden runs the ball during the Golden Eagles’ game with Pendleton Heights. (Mike Navarro)
By CRAIG ADKINS
For The Reporter
NOBLESVILLE – The Friday, Aug. 29 matchup with Pendleton Heights did not go as planned for Guerin Catholic. The Golden Eagles turned the ball over on downs five times, winding up on the wrong side of a 34-0 score.
On their first drive, the Arabians fumbled near midfield, which was recovered by Jacob Dumas. On the first Guerin drive, quarterback Quentin Klee threw an interception on the four play, giving it right back to Pendleton.
The Arabians took advantage and scored on the next series on a one-yard run from quarterback Brandt Gray midway through the first for a 7-0 lead.
They scored in the second quarter twice more on rushing scores from Joel Weaver and Talan Foster for a 20-0 halftime lead.
“They won the game at the line of scrimmage on both sides, there’s no doubt. We had some kids who were making their first-ever start, but that’s beside the point,” said Guerin Catholic head coach Tom Dilley. “The guys that were out there battled, but they were up against a good offensive and defensive line and we were soundly defeated in the trenches.”
Pendleton scored a fourth touchdown halfway through the third on a 25-yard pass from Gray to Byron Vores for a 27-0 score.
“They are very fundamentally sound and they’re good at what they do,” added Dilley. “They mixed a little zone coverage, very little man and were physical with the receivers. A lot of times you’re trying to make throws under duress, because of the battle up front.”
The scored to begin the fourth on Weaver’s second rushing TD for what made the final score of 34-0.
Turning the ball over on downs five times, an interception, three punts and a missed field goal toward the end of the first half by Nick Wilson unfortunately spelled trouble all evening for the Golden Eagles.
“A game like this makes it obvious where you need to improve. It exposes things, which is the positive. If we choose to take this as a positive, pay attention to what got exposed and fix it,” added Dilley.
Guerin Catholic evened its record at 1-1 and will hit the road for the second time on Friday at Heritage Christian.
