Friday night marked the official IHSAA dress rehearsal across the state, and all eyes were on New Palestine as the defending 4A state champions hosted 6A Columbus North in the annual preseason scrimmage.
Now competing in Class 5A due to the IHSAA success factor, the Dragons entered the night focused on proving last year’s undefeated run was no fluke — and they did exactly that.
From the jump, New Palestine’s first team offense looked like it never missed a beat. Despite only being on the field for roughly 10 plays, the opening drive was clinical. Senior running backs Caden Jacobia and Josh Ranes delivered a thunder-and-lightning combo that immediately put Columbus North’s talented defense on its heels and resulted in an effortless touchdown.
Once Head Coach Kyle Ralph pulled the starters, the reserves picked up right where the veterans left off. Junior quarterback Ryder Gardner pieced together a scoring drive against the Bull Dogs’ starting defense, capping it with a highlight touchdown to senior receiver Aalijah Lissade, who weaved his way through defenders en route to the end zone.
Columbus North managed a lone varsity touchdown during its opening offensive segment, but it came against a New Pal lineup made up largely of reserves.
One of the most encouraging signs for the Dragons came from returning starter Jacob Davis. The senior quarterback was sharp throughout the night — protecting the football, staying poised in the pocket and connecting on a handful of timing throws, including a touchdown to emerging junior Landon Maddox. Davis had another potential touchdown called dead for safety reasons after appearing to break free untouched.
Up front, Purdue commit Brock Brownfield anchored an offensive line that controlled the trenches. Whether it was a run by Jacobia and Ranes or a designed rollout for Davis, the line consistently opened lanes and kept the backfield clean.
Notably, the Dragons were careful with standout 2027 athlete Mason Oglesby, limiting his reps in what was clearly part of the plan to stay healthy heading into Week 1.
Friday night wasn’t just a preseason tune-up — it was a statement. New Palestine looked every bit like a program ready to return to Lucas Oil Stadium, and with the depth, experience and execution on display, the Dragons made it very clear that the leap to 5A won’t change their expectations.
Columbus North, ranked in several preseason polls, will learn from the scrimmage and move forward. But there’s no mistaking what the takeaway was:
New Palestine passed the eye test – and then some.