Posted By: Richie Hall September 30, 2025
The REPORTER
Hamilton Southeastern tried to keep pace with Zionsville Friday, Sept. 26, but fell short 35-29 in a Hoosier Crossroads Conference game.
The Eagles scored two first-quarter touchdowns for an early 14-0 lead. The Royals got on the board late in the period, as Deaken Johnson threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to Kendrick Pennybaker. Luke Marchionni’s extra-point kick kept Southeastern within 14-7.
Marchionni booted a 30-yard field goal early in the second quarter, but a 63-yard touchdown pass from Eli Showalter to Nic Hoggs pushed Zionsville ahead 21-10. Marchionni finished the half with a 54-yard field goal, keeping the Royals within shouting distance, 21-13 at halftime.
Neither team scored in the third quarter. The Eagles opened the fourth quarter with a one-yard TD pass and led 28-13. Southeastern came blasting back, as Pennybaker hauled in a 73-yard touchdown throw from Johnson, and Marchionni’s kick cut the Zionsville lead to 28-20.
The Royals got the ball back with 3:32 left and marched down the field. The drive culminated with Carter Reed running the ball in from the four-yard line and keeping HSE within 28-26.
The Eagles started their drive from the HSE 47, and Sam Manna took the ball 47 yards for a touchdown, pushing their lead up to 35-26. The Royals quickly drove down the field and Marchionni kicked a 25-yard field goal with four seconds left. But Zionsville recovered the kickoff and kneeled it out.
Johnson and Pennybaker both had huge games. Johnson finished 18-of-28 for 312 yards, while Pennybaker collected nine receptions for 265 yards.
Southeastern is 1-3 in HCC play and 3-3 overall. The Royals host Noblesville this Friday to continue conference action.
