A new sectional, the same result for the New Palestine High School football team. 

A year after running wild in the north to a Class 5A state championship, the Dragons (11-0) ran past Franklin 49-14 Friday to claim the Sectional 14 championship. The win marked the fifth sectional crown under Head Coach Kyle Ralph, who improved to 85-4 at the helm.

New Palestine wasted little time setting the tone, putting together an 11-play opening drive that was capped by Charlie Spegal from four yards out. It would be the first of four touchdowns for Spegal in the game.

New Palestine would continue to roll, extending the lead to 35-7 midway through the second quarter, thanks in part to a pair of 40-plus yard touchdown runs by Spegal. The lead would swell to 42-7 at the half.

With the win, New Palestine advances to the regional title tilt against Cathedral (9-2), who defeated Decatur Central. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at New Palestine. The last time the Irish and Dragons met was 2009, with Cathedral winning 45-6 in the regional. 

Ralph said it is an honor to be a part of a game many are looking forward to.