Sheridan started play in Class 1A Sectional 44 with a 35-14 victory at Tri-Central on Friday.
The game was tied 7-7 after the first quarter, but the Blackhawks pulled away in the second period by scoring 20 points. Drake Delph ran the ball in from 36 yards early in the quarter, then Nick Burnell made a five-yard run to the end zone a minute later.
Midway through the period, James Manis streaked 83 yards for a touchdown, putting Sheridan up 27-7. That would the halftime score. Burnell added a two-yard scoring run midway through the third.
“We played okay,” said Sheridan coach Bud Wright. “We just didn’t have that extra kick in ourselves. We just played steady.”
Cameron Hovey got the Blackhawks’ first touchdown, taking the ball in from 33 yards. Hovey also kicked the extra point after his TD. Sheridan made a pair of two-point conversions: Delph ran the ball in after Burnell’s second-quarter score, then Jesse Kolb caught a pass after Burnell’s third-quarter touchdown.
Manis led the Sheridan rushing with 144 yards in eight carries, while Hovey gained 97 yards.
The ‘Hawks are now 8-2 for the season. Sheridan goes back on the road next week for the Sectional 44 semi-final, playing at Monroe Central. The Blackhawks and the Golden Bears are co-ranked No. 9 in the final 1A coaches poll of the season. Monroe Central beat Clinton Central 34-13 in its first-round sectional game.
Sheridan’s Nick Burnell scored two touchdowns for the Blackhawks in their 35-14 sectional win at Tri-Central on Friday. (Si DeVaney III)
Silas DeVaney IV makes a play for the football. (Si DeVaney III)