The Noblesville football team played its first-ever out of state game Friday, traveling to Benet Academy in Lisle, Ill. located in the Chicago suburbs.
The Millers can say they are 1-0 against Illinois teams, as they beat Benet 21-13 in what Noblesville coach Dave Sharpe said was “a tremendous high school football game.”
The first half was almost scoreless. The Millers broke through with 14 seconds left in the second quarter when Aiden Brewer caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from Landon Hughes. Jack Letourneau followed that with the extra-point kick. Sharpe said Brewer “found the corner of the end zone and made a tremendous catch.” Sharpe also credited Hughes – “His poise and just letting that route develop and being patient, being patient, and he was able to hit Aiden Brewer,” said Sharpe.
Noblesville’s second touchdown came midway through the third period when Logan Shoffner took off on a 49-yard run to the end zone. The Millers would score again early in the third quarter, this one a two-yard touchdown run for Gage Gulley. Letourneau made both kicks after the score.
“We were able to just grind out enough in the second half,” said Sharpe. “Our guy Logan Shoffner really bailed us out a couple times.”
On defense, Noblesville had some big plays, including interceptions from Jordan Sharp and Austin Hastings, with Hastings making a pick to seal the win. Gavin Kinyon made 8.5 total tackles (five solo and seven assists), with Hastings totaling eight stops (five solo and six assists).
“Our defense really stepped up,” said Sharpe.
Shoffner led the rushing with 125 yards, while Gulley gained 81 yards.
The Millers are 2-0 and play at Fishers next Friday to begin Hoosier Crossroads Conference play.
NOBLESVILLE 21, BENET ACADEMY 13
Score by Quarters
Noblesville 0 7 7 7 – 21
Benet Academy 0 0 6 7 – 13
Team Stats NOB BA
First Downs 18 16
By Rush 16 8
By Pass 2 7
By Penalty 0 1
Rushes-Yards 67-281 32-131
Yards Passing 51 154
Comp-Att-Int-TD 3-7-1-1 13-21-2-1
Fumbles-Lost 1-0 2-0
Penalties-Yards 2-25 2-15
Punts-Average 3-37.3 3-31.0
Noblesville Scoring
Second Quarter
0:14 – Aiden Brewer 13-yard pass from Landon Hughes (Jack Letourneau kick)
Third Quarter
6:29 – Logan Shoffner 49-yard run (Letourneau kick)
Fourth Quarter
10:16 – Gage Gulley 2-yard run (Letourneau kick)
Noblesville individual stats
Rushing: Shoffner 27-125, Gulley 19-81, Blake Widget 12-59, Gabe Bellan 4-13, Hughes 4-3, team 1-0.
Passing: Hughes 3-7-51.
Receiving: Shoffner 1-38, Brewer 1-13, Widget 1-0.