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Pencol Coming Home, Signs With Colts
How Pendleton Heights star WR Eli Pancol overcame 2 broken ankles to make Colts practice squad
NDIANAPOLIS – Eli Pancol remembers vividly that February night in 2007 when his childhood legends Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison triumphed in Miami.
Wouldn’t you, if your 6-year-old self and your mom capped the evening in exuberant celebration, jumping up and down on the bed to celebrate a Colts Super Bowl victory?
“It was so fun being a Colts fan growing up,” the 25-year-old undrafted NFL rookie wide receiver told IndyStar on Wednesday. As a kid, Pancol would attend summer training camps just down the road at Anderson University every chance he got. As a teenager, he did his best Wayne and Harrison impressions on the field, starring for Pendleton Heights, becoming a consensus three-star wideout recruit in the 2019 class after snagging 29 combined touchdown passes as a junior and senior and earning a laundry list of area, conference and state honors.
As a true-freshman early-enrollee at Duke in the fall of 2019, he caught one of the first touchdowns of the post-Daniel Jones era in his college debut and turned six catches during his freshman campaign into three scores. But in Year 4, a broken left ankle derailed his 2022 campaign by October. The following summer, the fracture-dislocation of his right ankle ended Year 5 with the Blue Devils before it began
A back injury a couple weeks into his rookie NFL training camp with the Jacksonville Jaguars kept him out of the final two preseason games following his debut that included a 27-yard catch.
During cutdown day with the Jaguars the last week of August, Pancol landed a waived/injured designation, made him a free agent and allowed him to rehab on his own and pursue other opportunities in the NFL. After spending September rehabbing in Durham, a Sept. 30 tryout in Indianapolis brought Pancol back home.
The ACC’s 2024 Brian Piccolo Award-winner – given to the conference’s “most courageous” football player – who capped his college career at Duke with a three-touchdown explosion on Senior Night with scoring catches of 86 and 77 yards thought he’d nearly clinched his first active practice squad spot that day.
All workouts are kinda the same. They all kinda say, ‘We’re not going to make any transactions right now,’ but I’d been told I had a good workout,” said Pancol, who in the last month had also worked out for the San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots. “I kinda got tired of hearing the same thing. I’m like, ‘You might as well tell me what I need to work on at this point.’ But my Colts workout was really good. I almost thought they were going to sign me right up,
And so seven weeks of almost irritatingly-repetitive days began. Living in his mother’s home in Noblesville, Pancol would wake up each morning he wasn’t on the road for a tryout and drive 30 minutes to meet with a trainer in Carmel. After lifting for two hours, he’d aim to take a yoga class, followed by meeting with a wide receiver-specific trainer, and then drive back home for an afternoon and evening filled with video games and way,
“It’s all a really big credit to my mom. She’s the one that kinda kept me going,” Pancol said of his mother, Alison. “I remember it was after a couple of my workouts (Cleveland and New England), and I took a couple days off, and she said, ‘Why aren’t you working out?’ And it was just tough. I said I needed to take a little break. I’d had back-to-back workouts of being told ‘no’ in the same weekend.
“She simply said, ‘You told me you wanted this?’“
Pancol called his trainer that afternoon and got a workout on the books for the next day
“Ever since then, I’ve been relentless, in the gym every single day,” he said. “And that’s why it’s all perfect timing, cause I’m here now and in great shape.”
Tuesday, Pancol was sitting at his mother’s house, playing video games, knowing he needed to be packing a bag to head to the airport. When his mother got back home from walking the dog that morning, she expected to be driving her son to the airport for a fifth NFL workout in less than two months – this time for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Before he could log off the game, his phone had rang. His agent was on the other line.
And so my mom walked in, she was like, ‘Why aren’t you ready to go?’ And I said, I don’t think I wanna go to Pittsburgh anymore,’” Pancol said. “She was like, ‘Why don’t you wanna go? Are you giving up?’
Nah. I think I’d rather play for the Colts.’”
One of the Colts’ newest practice squad members embraced his crying mother. Together, they celebrated jumping up and down once again. With some more of that courage and daily hard work, perhaps that long-awaited touchdown catch from Daniel Jones may come.
Nathan's Article- Eli Pancol, after starring at Duke, landed practice squad spot with Colts
The Pendleton Heights Arabians delivered a commanding performance Friday night, blanking rival Greenfield Central 45-0. The Arabians jumped out to a 28-0 halftime lead and never looked back, executing in all three phases of the game.
Talan Foster set the tone early with a 14-yard touchdown run to open the scoring in the first quarter. In the second, junior quarterback Brandt Gray connected with CJ Mitchem for a 62-yard strike to extend the lead. Sophomore Joel Weaver added to the total with an 8-yard scamper, and Gray capped the first half with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Cooper Sims.
The second half began in explosive fashion as Foster took the opening kickoff to the end zone. Dylan John’s extra point triggered a running clock, solidifying the Arabians’ control. Gray later added a 6-yard rushing touchdown, and John finished a perfect night kicking—going 6-for-6 on extra points and drilling a 36-yard field goal while adding two touchbacks.
Defensively, the Arabians were relentless. Rylan Keesling led the charge with seven tackles and constant pressure on the Greenfield quarterback. DJ McCrary and Jacob McKinley each forced fumbles, recovered by Eli Poore and Dee Heiden, respectively. Foster and Nolan Hobbs each snagged interceptions to complete the defensive shutout.
With the victory, Pendleton Heights moves to 10-1, chasing history and hosting a week 8 rematch with conference foe Yorktown. Pendleton won the first frame 24-22 in dramatic fashion. The game will kick off at 7pm at John Broughton Field.
Photography Courtesy/Don Money @ https://shotsbymoney.com or on IG @money.shot.photography
Arabians Dominate Marauders 45–14 to Advance in Sectional Play
The Pendleton Heights Arabians opened sectional play with authority Friday night, rolling past the winless Mt. Vernon Marauders 45–14 on the road. From the opening kickoff, the Arabians controlled every phase of the game and set the tone for a deep postseason run.
Senior running back Joel Weaver turned in a historic performance, carrying the ball 13 times for 249 yards and five touchdowns, averaging an eye-popping 19 yards per carry. His first score was set up by a tone-setting kick return from Talan Foster, who ignited the Arabians’ sideline with a big runback to open the game. Weaver’s night included a 74-yard touchdown burst that left defenders in his wake and had the crowd buzzing.
Quarterback Brandt Gray was efficient through the air, completing 5 of 8 passes for 73 yards and a touchdown, a 30-yard strike to Sam Behrendt. On defense, the Arabians were just as impressive — Lincoln DeShong and Cooper Sims each came away with interceptions, while Rylan Keesling added a key fumble recovery. Michael Emeish led the defensive charge with eight tackles, including three for loss, helping Pendleton Heights stifle the Marauders’ offense throughout the night.
With the win, the Arabians advance to face Greenfield-Central in the sectional semifinal at John Broughton Field. It will be a conference rematch, as Pendleton Heights claimed a 43–14 Homecoming victory in the regular-season meeting.
In celebration of Halloween, PHHS administration will host a Trick-or-Treat event before the game — fans are encouraged to come out dressed for the occasion, cheer on the Arabians, and grab some candy as Pendleton Heights looks to keep its postseason run alive.
Behind scenes with Pendleton Heights football: 'This group ... it's just different' (Indy Star)
PENDLETON – Jed Richman is standing outside the open doors of the Pendleton Heights’ football locker room, alone, on a beautifully crisp fall Friday night when a smile crosses his face.
“You would think these would be the fun moments, right?” Richman said.
Don’t get him wrong: These are fun moments. As Richman stands outside the locker room, his Pendleton Heights’ team is leading by 28 points at halftime of a game it would go on to win 49-7 over Shelbyville to wrap up an 8-1 regular season.
But Richman is also a ball of nervous energy. He paces at halftime through the locker room, once, twice, then a third time. He checks on senior linebacker and tight end Rylan Keesling, who limped to the locker room at halftime and will not return in the second half out of precaution in a lopsided game. His assistant coaches meet with their position groups, going over minor adjustments.
Finally, as the extended halftime on senior night nears an end, Richman stands in front of the whiteboard where senior cornerback Talan Foster wrote the words “TAKE THE BALL” in capital letters before the game and delivers a short message.
“You guys want to win a championship, right?” Richman asks.
“Yes sir!” the players reply.
“Attack,” Richman says. “Let’s go.”
'He's always watching his players'
Luke Graham was walking off the youth football field at Pendleton as a fifth grader when he met Richman for the first time.
“He came over and shook my hand,” said Graham, a 6-3, 320-pound senior offensive lineman. “That one moment, really, helped define his relationship to me. He’s always paying attention, always watching his players.”
Carter Marling, another starting senior lineman, added: “If something happened, I know I could call coach Richman no matter if I was a senior or if I’d graduated for four years.”
This 18-player senior class is a special group to Richman, who hugs each one of them as they are introduced with their families before the game. He has coached here for 10 years now, getting to know kids like Graham and Marling when they were still in elementary school.
Richman has a picture of his own senior night at home in his office. He played for David Durkes at Eastern (Greentown) in the fall of 1997. His parents, Steve and Patty, are in the picture. They were his biggest supporters.
“My dad was not emotional,” Richman said. “And he gave me a big bear hug that night. It’s an awesome memory. It’s one of those things you never forget.”
He lost both of them last year. His father died in April after suffering from dementia. His mother died three months earlier from heart failure.
“A lot of these guys came to the funeral in Kokomo,” Richman said. “I get a little emotional talking about it. It’s all about relationships and there are great kids there. It’s been a fun 10 years. But this group … it’s just different.”
Senior night
“Game night” officially starts when the coaches meet with the quarterbacks at 4:45 p.m. Richman blocks off 10 minutes for quarterbacks, 10 minutes for offense, 10 minutes for defense and 10 minutes for special teams.
“Your parents want to see you play your heart out,” Richman tells the offense. “They are proud of you. This community is proud of you. Don’t wait. Bring the hammer down.”
When the senior night introductions are over, the team races back to the locker room for one more meeting before taking the field. There is no championship at stake on Friday night. Undefeated New Palestine, which defeated Pendleton Heights 42-6 in Week 5, has already claimed the Hoosier Heritage Conference title. But a win, especially a well-played win, would give the Arabians some momentum leading into the first-round game at Mt. Vernon next week in 4A Sectional 21.
Richman and his staff respect the job coach Scott Fitzgerald has done rebuilding the Golden Bears’ program in three years. Shelbyville is 4-4 going into what will be its final game as a member of the Hoosier Heritage Conference – its first season with four wins since 2017. But as the clock ticks toward kickoff, Richman makes sure the players know this Friday night is all about them and not the opponent.
“Seniors, I hope you appreciate how much you mean to us,” Richman says as he stands in front of the team. “When I tell you that you are my guys, you’re my guys. Tonight, we get to fight together. Always together. We talk it, we live it forever. You hear me? Forever. I want everyone talking about these Pendleton boys.”
It did not take long for Class 4A seventh-ranked Pendleton Heights to assert itself on the first play of the second drive, sophomore Joel Weaver scored on an 80-yard run. Weaver scored again on a 71-yard run a few minutes later to make it 14-0. Before the first quarter was over, Weaver added a third TD run of 21 yards.
About the only thing that went wrong for Pendleton Heights in the first half was Shelbyville senior Donavon Martin making a couple of long gains on screen passes. A 60-yarder helped set up Shelbyville’s only touchdown of the night. But going into halftime, Pendleton Heights led comfortably, 35-7.
“Start over in your mind,” Richman told the team. “Make sure we’re locked in.”
First sectional title in 14 years?
Pendleton Heights won its only two sectional titles in 2010 and ’11 under longtime coach John Broughton, who died in 2021 at age 74. This could be the team that breaks the 14-year sectional title drought.
The Arabians are 4-0 against opponents in its sectional, including a 24-22 victory over a Yorktown team they could see in the sectional championship.
“I don’t think the leadership stops with the seniors,” Graham said. “We have a junior quarterback and sophomore running back and those guys are showing their leadership on and off the field. The seniors are going to be great leaders, but it goes all the way through.”
Weaver, who finished with 190 rushing yards and four TDs in the win over Shelbyville, and junior quarterback Brandt Gray, who was 9-for-12 passing for 99 yards and two TDs are two of the most talented players on the team. Sophomore tight end Sam Behrendt, who caught his first touchdown pass in the second half, is also an outstanding prospect.
“(Gray) has opened up this offense so much,” said senior Colton Johnson. “You don’t know who to defend between him and (Weaver). That’s why we’re so successful, along with our line too.”
The leadership does not stop with the players. On the Pendleton Heights’ sideline, Richman and wife Molly’s sons, 11-year-old J.R. and 7-year-old Toby, are buzzing around most of the game. Well, Toby is anyway. J.R. is on crutches for a couple weeks after suffering a leg injury at football practice a few days ago. He keeps an eye on his little brother.
“I just make sure he’s safe,” J.R. said.
And if not J.R., someone else on that sideline surely would. This community has become home for Richman, who has compiled a 62-44 record in 10 seasons at Pendleton Heights after coaching three years at Western Boone and three at Lawrence Central.
“We’ve been through a lot in 10 years,” Richman said. “This staff is tight and this team is tight. It’s a strong, resilient senior class. They are genuinely happy for one another. I think they are bought into the team and also willing to do the every day stuff no matter what. It sounds like coach speak but it’s true. I’m just proud of them.”
Call Star reporter Kyle Neddenriep at (317) 444-6649. Get IndyStar's high school coverage sent directly to your inbox with the https://profile.indystar.com/newsletters/indystar-high-school-sports/?ipid=NLsignuppreps
Source Article: https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2025/10/18/ihsaa-football-behind-scenes-for-a-night-with-pendleton-heights-shelbyville/86764980007/
Arabians Hold On In A Classic
The Pendleton Heights Arabians battled to a thrilling 24-22 win over the Yorktown Tigers, clinching victory with a dramatic goal-line stand in the final moments. With the game on the line, Rylan Keesling exploded through the Tigers’ front to stuff the two-point try, sealing the win for the Arabians in unforgettable fashion.
Keesling was nothing short of dominant all night, turning in one of the best defensive performances of the season. The senior totaled 10 tackles, 4 sacks, 6 quarterback pressures, 5 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble, constantly wrecking plays in the backfield. His relentless motor and physical presence set the tone for the defense and gave the Arabians the edge they needed when it mattered most.
On the offensive side, Brandt Gray delivered a composed and efficient performance, showing poise under pressure. He completed 14 of 17 passes for 184 yards and a touchdown, while also grinding out tough yards on the ground — 19 carries for 97 yards and two touchdowns. Gray’s leadership and control of the offense kept drives alive and helped the Arabians maintain rhythm throughout the game.
Cooper Sims caught a 48-yard touchdown and finished with five receptions, while Byron Vores, C.J. Mitchem, Sam Behrendt, Lowan Beal, and Keesling each contributed key catches. Dylan John added a field goal and went 3-for-3 on PATs, while Joel Weaver’s 48-yard punt late in the fourth quarter flipped the field and set up the defensive stand.
Pendleton Heights finished 8 of 13 on third down, recorded 16 first downs, and totaled 343 yards of offense in a complete team effort. The night belonged to Keesling and Gray, who embodied toughness and leadership in a gritty, hard-earned Arabian victory.
Photography Courtesy of @Luka_Filmz on Instagram!
https://www.instagram.com/luka_filmz/
Arabian Freshman Continue Success
The Pendleton Heights Freshman Arabians put together a dominant performance in a 36-8 win over Delta, excelling in all phases of the game. Josiah Bussell led the offense with three touchdowns — two rushing and one receiving — showcasing his versatility and playmaking ability. Lincoln Sutton added steady production with several strong runs and capped his night with a tough rushing touchdown.
A major key to the offensive success came from the big skill players up front. Boe Decker and Judd Souders were dominant in the trenches, creating lanes in the run game and setting a physical tone that Delta couldn’t match. Their presence helped the Arabians control the line of scrimmage throughout the contest.
On defense, the Arabians were just as impressive. Gavin Richey delivered a highlight pick six, while Barrett DeVault added another interception to stop a Delta drive. The defense swarmed to the ball, tackled with discipline, and forced key turnovers that shifted the momentum early.
It was a complete team effort — physical up front, explosive on offense, and opportunistic on defense — as the Freshman Arabians continued to show their growth and potential with another commanding victory.
Photography Courtesy/Don Money @ https://shotsbymoney.com or on IG @money.shot.photography
JV Arabian Football Topple Delta
The Arabians earned a solid 21-6 win over Delta behind a balanced effort on both sides of the ball. Dane Apple opened the scoring with a powerful rushing touchdown, while Hudson Frank connected with Lincoln DeShong for a passing score. Frank finished the night 9-of-15 through the air, efficiently guiding the offense.
Defensively, Collin Garringer made a statement with a pick-six to seal the game. Jayden Wright forced a key fumble that Bentley Henry recovered, setting the tone for a physical defensive front. Noah Plovick and Preston Seale each tallied sacks, with Plovick also delivering a “disgusting pancake block” to highlight his performance in the trenches.
It was a complete team win as the JV Arabians continued to build momentum on both sides of the ball.
Photography Courtesy/Don Money @ https://shotsbymoney.com or on IG @money.shot.photography
Arabians move up to #6 in 2025 Indiana Football Coaches Association Coaches Poll
Pendelton Heights Arabians find themselves ranked #6 in the latest 2025 Indiana Football Coaches Association Coaches Poll and this week's opponent; the Yorktown Tigers find themselves just outside the top 10. Fridays heavily anticipated matchup is @ Yorktown.
4A
1 Ind. Chatard (9) 6-1 (99)
2 East Noble (1) 7-0 (89)
3 Heritage Hills 6-1 (79)
4 Mishawaka 6-1 (69)
5 Leo 6-1 (58)
6 Pendleton Heights 6-1 (49)
7 F.W. Dwenger 5-2 (44)
8 S.B. St. Joseph 7-0 (29)
9 Ind. Roncalli 4-3 (7)
10Lowell 6-1 (7)
Others receiving votes:
Yorktown 6-1 (6), Jasper 6-1 (5), Lebanon 6-1 (4),
Northview 6-1 (4), Evan Reitz 4-3 (1)
Photography Courtesy/Don Money @ https://shotsbymoney.com or on IG @money.shot.photography
Arabians Stymie Eagles
Varsity Football Summary: Pendleton Heights 49, Delta 6
The Pendleton Heights Arabians dominated at John Broughton Field, defeating Delta in impressive fashion while running only 35 offensive plays and piling up nearly 490 total yards.
The Arabian big skill unit — Luke Graham, Kemper Owens, Carter Marling, Brandon Nunemaker, and Ty Covington — controlled the trenches all night, paving the way for a huge rushing effort. Joel Weaver led the ground attack with 11 carries for 193 yards and 3 touchdowns, including a 96-yard score that came right after a crucial goal-line stop by Rylan Keesling.
Quarterback Brandt Gray was equally dynamic, rushing 7 times for 153 yards and a touchdown, while completing 7 of 11 passes for 119 yards and 2 touchdowns. His longest run of the night went for 57 yards. In the passing game, Caden Sims hauled in 3 receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown, while CJ Mitchem added a 36-yard touchdown grab. Colton Johnson provided consistent blocking support and caught one pass for 13 yards, and Dane Apple capped the scoring with a 13-yard touchdown run.
On special teams, the “Block Party” unit came up big with a blocked extra point, and kicker Dylan Johns was perfect, going 7-for-7 on PATs while adding five touchbacks on kickoffs.
Defensively, the Arabians were dominant up front, holding Delta’s rushing attack to under 60 total yards. The big skill group of Graham, Jacob McKinley, Eli Poore, Dee Heiden, and Michael Emeish set the tone at the line of scrimmage. Safeties Wyatt Elijah and Grant Ellis locked down the secondary, limiting explosive plays, while Nolan Hobbs provided strong relief coverage. Max Garner led the team with 11 tackles, Elijah added 7, and Keesling contributed 6.
The Arabians, now 6-1, travel to face the mirror-image 6-1 Yorktown Tigers next Friday in a pivotal matchup that could determine the runner-up spot in conference play and establish an early Sectional 21 favorite.
Stay up to date for all things Arabian football by visiting our website. Pendleton Football
Photography Courtesy of @Luka_Filmz on Instagram!
https://www.instagram.com/luka_filmz/
7th Grade Lets One Slip Away
The 7th grade team battled hard but came up short in a 22-0 loss to Delta. Down 8-0 at half, the Arabians failed to string together consecutive series of good play. The offense found sparks behind the determined running of Maddox Gamble and Brody Mong, who both picked up tough yards against a strong defense. Mong also anchored the defense, leading the team in tackles and setting the tone with his hustle and physical play. While the scoreboard didn’t go their way, the group showed grit and toughness that will serve them well moving forward.
PHMS 8th Grade v Delta
- By PH Football 10/03/2025, 9:15am CDT
Middle School Football Weekend Wrap-Up
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Week 6 Preview: PH #8 in 4A per IFCA Coaches Poll
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7th Grade Arabians fall short against New Palestine
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8th Grade Arabians defeat New Palestine
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JV and Freshman Combined Outlast Greenfield
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First Ever Moms Clinic
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2025 PJFL Night at Arabian Varsity Game
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New Website
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