CHARLOTTESVILLE — After a roller coaster regular season for teams across the state of Indiana, the IHSAA state tournament kicked off on Friday night, but not without more adversity for the teams at Eastern Hancock.
After beginning the night with a 45-minute lightning delay, the Royals and Shenandoah began their journey to the state championship game. For Eastern Hancock, it was an abrupt end, as they couldn’t convert a key fourth-down play near the Raiders’ goal line with less than a minute left and lost, 12-7.
Despite lightning leaving the area, heavy rain remained around the stadium throughout much of the first half.
The inclement conditions led to most of the first half being played between the 30-yard-line markers on the field, as neither team found the ability to pass the ball.
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Click here to purchase photos from this galleryThrough the first quarter, the teams were stuck in a battle at the line. The two combined for just two first downs in the first quarter.
Royals offensive weapon Zach Arnold was responsible for both first downs.
In the second quarter, the rain slowed slightly and the teams settled their footing into the muddy field to allow for more ball movement.
The Raiders were the first team to make a trip to the red zone with nine minutes remaining in the half. A holding call on their first play in the red zone knocked them out.
Two straight quarterback draws put the Raiders back in the red zone, but a failed fourth down conversion gave the Royals the ball back deep in their own territory.
After multiple handoffs, the Royals attempted to return to their bread and butter with the air attack. The attempt paid off with Houston Swan completing his first pass of the game to Arnold. Arnold took the ball 68 yards to the end zone to put the first points on the board.
In a 3-minute drill, the Raiders drove back into the red zone, but penalties for illegal motion and holding ended the hopes of tying the game before halftime.
Heavy rain returned in the third quarter as the Raiders looked to end their mistakes and finally put points on the board.
With 3:29 remaining in the third quarter, the Raiders finally put points on the board with a 12-yard touchdown run from Justin Hummel.
The ensuing extra point kick sailed left, leaving the game in the Royals hands.
After being forced to punt, the Royals were put back on defense.
Using consistent inside run plays, the Raiders were able to drive back to midfield. With seven minutes remaining in the game, Raiders quarterback Tanner Goff broke free for a 52 yard touchdown run to put the away team ahead on the scoreboard.
Quickly, the score was taken off the board as the Raiders committed yet another holding penalty.
By giving the Raiders the ball back, they were able to drain three more minutes off the clock as they drove down the field and inevitably scored again.
Again, the Raiders were unable to convert their PAT, leaving the Royals with a chance to come from behind and 5:32 to work with.
The Royals converted twice on fourth down to move the ball into the red zone with less than a minute remaining. A third conversion failed, however, giving the Raiders the ball with the opportunity to use the victory formation to end the game.
The Royals complete their 2020 season with a 4-6 record. In total, the Royals bid farewell to 10 seniors from this year’s roster when they return for the 2021 season.
The Raiders advance to the sectional semi-finals next week against Scecina Memorial with a 7-3 record.
Shenandoah 12, Eastern Hancock 7
EH (4-6);0;7;0;0;7
S (7-3);0;0;6;6;12
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
None
2nd Quarter
EH — Zach Arnold 68 yd pass from Houston Swan (Fuchs kick), 3:32
3rd Quarter
S — Justin Hummel 12 yd run (PAT no good), (3:29)
4th Quarter
S — Tanner Goff 3 yd run (2 pt no good), 5:32
