Sheridan will get a re-match with a conference rival Friday, as the No. 6 Blackhawks play their first-round game in Class 1A Sectional 44 with Tri-Central at Bud Wright Stadium.
The two teams met at the Trojans’ field on Sept. 1, with Sheridan winning 28-6. That was the second step for the ‘Hawks on their way to an undefeated championship in the Hoosier Heartland Conference.
“They’re quick on the offensive line and defensive line,” said Wright. “They’ve got some quickness. They got some quick backs and they really play hard. They go after people.”
Tri-Central finished the regular season 4-5. The Trojans began their season with wins over Delphi 16-14 and Taylor 37-21 before their loss to Sheridan. That defeat was the first of four in a row; next were Clinton Prairie 48-34, Monroe Central 56-6 and Carroll 28-8.
After that, Tri-Central beat Eastern 14-9, lost to Lapel 42-20 and defeated Clinton Central 48-26.
Sheridan finished its season 7-2, and Wright said his team has come a long way since its meeting with the Trojans in Week 3. The coach said his team is “using our weapons a lot better and I think we’ve stepped up our play up tremendously. I think we’re much quicker than we were in Week 3 as far as doing things. I think we’ve been coming along pretty good.”
This game will be the 600th IHSAA game for Wright in his 53-season coaching career. Wright was 1-3 in his initial season at Mt. Ayr High School, and since has gone 407-188 as the coach of the Blackhawks.
