By John Daniels
For Pendleton News
FORTVILLE — The Pendleton Heights Arabians dropped a 38-14 decision at the Mount Vernon Marauders. The Arabians fell to 1-4 on the season and in the Hoosier Heritage Conference. The Marauders upped their record to 4-1 and 3-0.
Arabians coach John Broughton, “We had no offense; the defense played early but continually got put in poor position by the offense.”
The first quarter was a defensive battle with only one first down by both teams in the quarter. Field position was steadily gained by the Marauders. Near the end of the quarter a Marauder’s punt pinned the Arabians back at their 1-yard line.
Mount Vernon took over at the Pendleton 25-yard line. Three plays into the second quarter the Marauders Trey Ross rushed up the middle for an 11-yard line. The touchdown was set up by a Nick Parker to Jiamyl McCoy 10-yard pass.
Matt Horton’s kick made the score 7-0. Pendleton Heights struggled offensively in the first half ending with a total offense of negative 13 yards and no first downs.
Ross scored two more touchdowns in the second quarter on runs of 38-yards and 1-yard.
The Arabians offense continued to struggle in the third quarter.
The Marauders capitalized quickly. A three and out, a lost fumble and a pass interception led to a field goal and two Marauders touchdowns and a 38-0 lead in the third quarter.
Starting quarterback, sophomore Mitch Pattishall was 1-of-14 for six yards. Senior Grant Hendershot replaced Pattishall late in the third quarter and the offense began moving, but not before an interception.
Hendershot finished 10 of 15 for 132 yards and two touchdowns. His touchdown passes were 30 and 20 yards to Dezmon Nunn in the fourth quarter.
This was a reversal from last week when Pattishall shined relieving Hendershot.
The Marauders finished with 181 yards rushing and 86 yards passing. The Arabians finished with -2 yards rushing and 144 yards passing. Brad McNeil had four catches for 41 yards and Jacob Jewell had three catches for 43 yards.
Pendleton Heights hosts Delta next Friday night.
