Dragons Roar on Homecoming: New Palestine Crushes Shelbyville 65–3

New Palestine defeated Shelbyville 65–3 this past Friday.

Q1

Key Plays: Shelbyville surprised early, making two red-zone trips and capitalizing with a field goal.

Standouts:

• Jacob Davis (QB, Sr.) – Jacob gives the Dragons an early lead with a 66 yd TD run right out of the gate.

• Grantland Fitzgerald (WR|DB, Jr.) - Beautiful KO return deep into New Pal territory.

Jacob Davis 66 yd TD Run

Grantland Fitzgerald with a Nice KO Return

Score after Q1: New Palestine 6 Shelbyville 3

Q2

Key Plays: The Dragons exploded for a season-best 36 points in the quarter.

• RB Caden Jacobia added a rushing score, punishing Shelbyville’s defense.

Standouts:

• Garrett Ranes (TE|OLB, Sr.) – Blocked punt by Desmond Palmer, Garrett TD.

• Jacob Davis (QB, Sr.) – Scored with his arm and legs. (37 yd run and 31yd strike to Cael Butler)

Desmond Palmer Block Garrett Ranes Scoop and Score

Halftime Score: New Palestine 42 Shelbyville 3

Q3

Key Plays: The Dragons kept rolling, adding two more touchdowns and a safety.

Standouts:

• Josh Ranes (RB|LB, Sr.) – First to score with a pick six.

• Ryder Gardner (QB|DB, Jr.) – 20 yd TD score..

Desmond Palmer Block Garrett Ranes TD

Ryder Gardner 20 yd TD Run

Score after Q3: New Palestine 58 Shelbyville 3 

Q4

• Key Plays: New Palestine closed with one final touchdown drive.

• Shelbyville was shut out in the second half, finishing with just 5 first downs.

• Standouts:

  • Waynee Estes (RB|LB, Jr.) – Added the final TD (4 yd).

Waynee Estes 3 yd TD Run

Final: New Palestine 65 Shelbyville 3

The Dragons are now 5-0 in Hoosier Heritage conference play. They will be at home next week to take on 2-5 New Castle.

🏈 Game Details

• Total Plays: Shelbyville ran 42 plays compared to New Palestine’s 39.

• First Downs: Shelbyville managed only 5, while New Palestine earned 18.

• Penalties: Shelbyville had 1 penalty for 5 yards, New Palestine 6 penalties for 44 yards.

• Time of Possession: Shelbyville held the ball (29:57) compared to (18:03) for New Palestine

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Early adversity didn’t rattle New Palestine — Shelbyville’s field goal was their only highlight.

• Jacob Davis led the charge, combining efficiency with explosive plays.

• Jacobia’s ground game complemented Davis, keeping the offense balanced.

• The Red Rage defense suffocated Shelbyville, allowing just 3 points and forcing multiple turnovers.

• Depth matters: Even with rotations, New Palestine scored in every quarter. Even with rotations, New Palestine scored in three of four quarters and preserved the shutout.

MSP 10.4.25