- Indiana
New Pal QB Zach Neligh steps out of the shadows of his brother, and record-breaking backfield mate Charlie Spegal
The key to top-ranked New Palestine pocketing a Class 5A state crown next month isn’t IHSAA running back phenom Charlie Spegal, its quarterback Zach Neligh. Following in his big brother Alex’s footsteps, Neligh is at the helm of the New Palestine offense and wreaking havoc on opposing defenses. In New Palestine’s 29-17 defeat of Zionsville in a sectional semifinal game last week, he threw for 137 yards and ran for 120.
If New Palestine posts a state title banner, the ZACH ATTACK will be the reason.
YEAH, I SAID IT!!!!
While Spegal, most likely the state’s future all-time rushing king, gets the lion’s share of the glory, Neligh is straight NASTY under center at the controls of his squad’s offense, efficient as he is intelligent and composed with a pigskin in his grasp. New Palestine is a perfect 10-0 heading into the sectional finals this week against Anderson.
Alex Neligh (University of Indianapolis) led New Palestine to a 4A state title four years ago and then a return trip to the state championship game (this time in 5A) the following season. He’s the most prolific field general the program has ever seen.
In other words, baby bro had some pretty big shoes to fill. And he has. The younger Neligh amassed nearly 2,000 yards through the air and tossed 22 touchdowns last year as a junior. This fall, he’s accounted for 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns (against only two picks) passing and 850 yards and 13 scores on the ground. Can you say dual-threat dandy?
So, in conclusion, Zach Neligh is a Sir-Swag-A-Lot of a signal caller that some people (to their grave detriment) have been sleeping on because of his being in the shadow of a record-breaking runner and older sibling.
Step into the spotlight young sir, you certainly deserve it!
