By JAMES SEAY
For The Reporter
SHERIDAN – The Class 1A No. 6 Sheridan Blackhawks lost to No. 3 North Decatur Chargers 29-14 in the Regional 23 championship game. The Blackhawks 11-game winning streak came to an end as the Chargers ran away with the game late in the fourth quarter.
After scoring 75 points in last week’s sectional championship game to capture the first sectional title since 2012 (and 20th sectional championship overall) the Blackhawks were poised to compete for their first regional crown since 2011. Led by legendary coach Bud Wright, the winningest coach in Indiana high school football history, SHS got off to a strong start in the first half, but was unable to keep up momentum, being shut out in the second half.
Senior Jacob Jones (156 rushing yards) was integral in setting up the first score of the night. The Chargers and Blackhawks were stymied on their initial drives of the night. North Decatur took the next possession deep into Sheridan territory and threaten to strike first when Sophomore Dayne Voege intercepted the Charger pass near the end zone. The errant throw was made possible by the pressure provided by Junior Trent DeCraene. Jones took the ensuing run 60 yards to the NDHS three-yard line while Senior Peyton Cross punched the ball into the end zone to open up scoring.
“In my 58 years of coaching I have never had a running back average 16 per carry and Jones has been able to accomplish that feat. Even with (Cross) running for over 2000 yards this season, Jones has been special,” said Coach Wright after the game.
North Decatur responded to the first touchdown of the game with a score on their own through the air. On the point after attempt Sheridan was called offsides and the Chargers elected to go for the two-point conversion. A successful run established the first deficit of the game for Sheridan. The strong defense of the Chargers was able to force a three and out and once again NDHS was able to score again, this time on the ground to push the score to 15-7.
The ensuing possession started at the SHS 24-yard line when Jones exploded for a 74-yard touchdown trot to bring the score to 15-14 midway through the second quarter. It would be the final score of the year for the Blackhawks. Each team’s defense was able to derail its opponent as the game reached halftime.
In a surprise move, the Blackhawks went for an onside kick to start the second half and were unsuccessful. When asked about the aggressive onside kick call, Wright said “we did not call that play.” Ultimately, the stiff defense lead by Cross, Jones and DeCraene was able to stop several advances in the second half.
Halfway through the third quarter the defense was able to stand tall when the Chargers threated decided to forgo a field goal and attempt a fourth down play on the SHS five-yard line. Senior Evan Grinstead was able to break up the pass to get the turnover on downs.
Both defenses were able to stand tall until North Decatur was able to break through with a touchdown run half way through the fourth quarter to push the lead to 22-14. The Blackhawks were intercepted on the following drive and surrender another score to close the game.
The Sheridan Blackhawks still turned in a season to remember after winning 11 straight games. “Not many teams can say they have won 11 straight games. Our kids did that after so many didn’t think we could do it,” said Wright after the game. “We started four or five sophomores this year and credit to them they kept getting better and better,” according to the coach.
Going into next season Wright commented, “We will re-evaluate things but look forward to our younger kids stepping up.”
Sheridan finishes the season at 11-2 with a Sectional 45 championship and the Hoosier Heartland Conference championship. The team will graduate eight seniors, including one of the state’s best running backs in Peyton Cross (2,082 yards rushing and 28 touchdowns).
SCORE BY QUARTERS
Sheridan 7 7 0 0 – 14
North Decatur 8 7 0 14 – 29
TEAM STATS
First downs SHER ND
– By rush 6 12
– By pass 2 4
– By penalty 0 0
Rushes-Yards 34-228 48-198
Passing Yards 35 n/a
Comp-Att-Int-TD 3-8-0 n/a
Fumbles-Lost 1-0 n/a
Penalties-Yards 9-34 n/a
Punts-Average 6-35.3 n/a
TEAM SCORING
First Quarter
3:38 – Peyton Cross 1-yard run (Owen Bell kick)
Second Quarter
9:59 – Jacob Jones 76-yard run (Bell kick)
INDIVIDUAL STATS
Rushing: Cross 19-68, Jones 11-156, Zach Bales 2-6, Caleb Alexander 2-2
Passing: Alexander 3-35.
Receiving: Trent DeCraene 2-20, Jones 1-15.