Roncalli builds lead behind Jarvis, defense to defeat New Palestine 20-6

Royals hold Dragons scoreless through three quarters as Jarvis rushes for 165 yards

Staff Report

INDIANAPOLIS — Roncalli broke through after a scoreless opening quarter, steadily built a two-touchdown lead and kept New Palestine’s offense contained to earn a 20-6 victory in an Indiana high school football matchup.

Alex Jarvis rushed for 165 yards and a touchdown on 36 carries, providing the foundation for a Royals offense that held possession for nearly 30 minutes. Both teams finished the nonconference contest at 5-2.

Neither side scored in the first quarter as the defenses established the tone. Roncalli produced the only touchdown of the second quarter, taking a 7-0 lead into halftime while keeping the Dragons off the scoreboard.

The Royals added another seven points in the third quarter to extend their advantage to 14-0. With New Palestine still searching for its first score, Roncalli entered the fourth with a two-touchdown cushion.

Both teams scored six points in the final period. The Dragons’ touchdown came through the air, with Rhys Ragan connecting with Cael Butler, but New Palestine could not erase the deficit.

Dominic Cromer supplied touchdowns through the air and on the ground for Roncalli. He completed seven of 14 passes for 47 yards, including a scoring connection with Mikey Dillon. Jarvis accounted for the Royals’ other rushing touchdown and added two receptions for 16 yards.

Roncalli finished with 211 yards of offense to New Palestine’s 178, but its advantages in possession and first downs were more pronounced. The Royals controlled the ball for 29 minutes, 57 seconds and collected 15 first downs, compared with eight for the Dragons.

Jaxson Lawson and Nolan Denney led Roncalli’s defense with eight tackles apiece. Vincent Conover recorded six tackles, including two for loss. Ryder Douglas intercepted a pass, and Will Clark recovered a fumble.

New Palestine managed 81 rushing yards on 28 attempts. Logan Parks led the Dragons with 52 yards on 13 carries, while Ragan completed 10 of 23 passes for 97 yards.

Butler caught two passes for 42 yards and the touchdown. Ryder Gardner added four receptions for 27 yards, and Mason Oglesby had three catches for 25 yards.

Andrew Davis, Cohen Wuethrich and Evan Walker each recorded 13 tackles for New Palestine. Wuethrich added two tackles for loss, including a sack.