YORKTOWN, Ind – In the last 12 games between Yorktown football and New Palestine, the Tigers have not been the favorite as the Dragons have won 11 of those games. They also led the series 25-3 before tonight’s edition of the matchup.

After four quarters, the storyline continued as the Tigers fell 41-13 to the visiting Dragons.

“We didn’t play very well,” Yorktown head coach Mike Wilhelm said. “They played very well and it just didn’t go our way in the first half.”

It did not take long for New Palestine to draw blood as the red and white hit the scoreboard early with a 33-yard touchdown pass. However, the Tigers responded with a long opening drive. Though momentum seemed to be with the green and white, the drive ended at the Dragons’ 30-yard line when Yorktown turned the ball over on downs.

“[New Palestine] is very tough in the trenches,” Wilhelm said. “That’s how you win football games, and we have to learn how to match that.”

While New Palestine’s offensive and defensive performance was apparent in the contest –the Dragons led 35-0 at halftime ­– the Tigers also had some mistakes. Things like missed tackles and allowing the Dragons to recover the ball on a kickoff in the second quarter all plagued the green and white.

Wilhelm told the team that they needed to clean up those issues going forward.

“We try to learn from our wins, but you learn a lot more when you lose,” he said. “We have to improve in the trenches because we may have to play them again if we want to win a [sectional] championship.”

One thing that differs from past Tiger teams is the youth aspect. Starting quarterback, sophomore Sam Tokar has only held the position for three games. In the loss, he went 16-for-28 for 162 passing yards, had one touchdown pass and threw an interception.

“I think my confidence [has helped],” Tokar said. “I know I’m a play maker and that’s why what I do. I have to lead this team and I know I can be a leader.”

Though Wilhelm believes the new QB1 has improved on the field, he agrees that Tokar’s leadership has also hit a new level.

“He’s a natural leader,” he said. “The guys listen to him and he commands the huddle.”

While New Palestine’s offense never faltered, Yorktown’s offense also had some positive moments. One of those was when senior Ephraim Daugherty took a screen pass from Tokar for a 54-yard touchdown. The Tigers believe they will need that type of energy and production when Delta comes to Yorktown High School Friday, Sept. 13. The rivalry game will be played at 7 p.m.

“We can’t have a hangove4 from this game,” Tokar said. “We just have to finish [because] it’s a big game. The stands will be packed and I’m ready to show the fans what I can do.”

Contact Zach Carter via email at zachary.carter@bsu.edu or on X at @ZachCarter85.

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