As he enters his fifth season at the helm at Pendleton Heights, Jed Richman does so knowing the Arabians have improved significantly on his watch. After a three-win season his first year, Pendleton Heights has averaged seven wins, including last year’s 7-5 campaign, which ended in the sectional championship against Hoosier Heritage Conference foe Mt. Vernon. “It has been a great four years so far. We have been able to establish a competitive identity where I feel we represent Pendleton Heights and the community in a positive way. I am really looking forward to the season and the opportunity it presents. We need to stick to our fundamentals and training and that will lead us to success on the field,” Richman told Sideline Prep Sports Report. Pendleton Heights will have the task of replacing some key pieces on the offensive side of the football, as quarterback Kirby Hess and running back Kamden Early are gone. The two shouldered much of the offensive load for the Arabians last year. Back is junior Luke Candiano, who will step in under center. Richman said Pendleton Heights will be running back by committee as seniors Evan MacMillan, Luke Bays, Jack Elijah and Caden McClain will all see the bulk of carries. Leading the way up front on the line will be seniors Braden Duncan, Jerod Lephart, Tristan Bragg and Carter Aldredge. Senior Andrew Harvey and juniors Will Kaster and Ethan Childers, along with 6-foot-5-inch sophomore Kyle Guthrie will compete for the tight end slot. Pendleton Heights brings back only one starting wide receiver in Tyler McKinley, but Richman says the team brings back many capable and willing players competing for time at other positions. The strength of the team could be its defense, as Pendleton Heights brings back a strong nucleus, including three-year starter Caden McClain, who anchors the defense at the strongside linebacker position. Also back is senior Luke Bays, who plays inside linebacker. Seniors Connor Huffman and DeMarco Cooley are returning up front, and Gavin Schug is back at outside linebacker. In the defensive secondary, Jack Elijah and Evan MacMillan are back at safety. “Other key factors could be senior Braden Gustin at linebacker and senior Donovan Harless at defensive line,” Richman said. Through four years, Richman has put his stamp on the program and says that is evident by how the kids care about each other. “Our kids and coaches care about one another. It is evident in how hard we compete and the effort and physicality we practice with and play with. Our kids prepare to win year round, they are committed to being as good as they can be, and that has really shown through our progress the past four seasons,” Richman said. And, like every coach and player, Richman is optimistic there will be football in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic continues in Indiana. “Our plan is to trust the process. We don’t know what life will give us on any given day. We have to train for the time times not knowing when they will come. We seek opportunity through adversity and welcome the tough times knowing we are ready to take them on. I will be devastated if we don’t have a season, but I know my players, and, specifically, our seniors, will be successful years from now because of what they have put into our program. I also know our program is better thanks to those seniors,” Richman said.
- sidelineprepsports