With a conference title on the line, Sheridan played a fantastic fourth quarter.
The Class 1A No. 6 Blackhawks were locked in a big battle with previously undefeated Eastern Friday night at Bud Wright Stadium. Sheridan held a 9-7 lead going into the fourth quarter, but one touchdown and a couple big defensive plays later, the ‘Hawks were celebrating a 16-7 victory that gave them an undefeated Hoosier Heartland Conference championship for the second year in a row.
“I think they played great,” said Wright. “Defensively, I thought we played outstanding. I think we missed a few blocks offensively, but we stayed in there, played hard. We hit them all night long and it was heck of a football game.”
The ‘Hawks got the game’s first points late in the first quarter with a safety. The Comets took the lead midway through the second quarter on a short rushing touchdown, but Sheridan grabbed it back with 27 seconds left in the half. Cameron Hovey caught a 5-yard pass from Nick Burnell, and Chris Starks’ extra point kick gave the Blackhawks a 9-7 lead at halftime.
Neither team scored in the third quarter, and most of the fourth period was scoreless as well. Eastern was driving late in the quarter, but Cameron Hovey picked off the ball and ran it down to the 3-yard line. Seconds later, Drake Delph ran the ball in, and Hovey kicked the extra point.
Sheridan’s defense then stepped it up one more time, with Jacob Vita making a second-down sack, then Delph intercepted the ball with 56.9 seconds left. The Blackhawks kneeled it out from there.
“I knew that the defenses would both be tough, but I figured there would be a little more scoring than there was,” said Delph. “However you got to win, you got to win that way.”
James Manis led the Sheridan rushing with 75 yards in 21 carries. Delph was 3-of-4 passing, while Burnell completed both of his pass attempts.
The ‘Hawks finished HHC play with a perfect 6-0 record and are now 7-1 overall. Sheridan will finish the regular season next week at Heritage Christian.
The Sheridan football team’s seniors celebrated after the Blackhawks beat Eastern 16-7 Friday at Bud Wright Stadium. With the win, Sheridan finished as undefeated Hoosier Heartland Conference champion. (Si DeVaney III)