The REPORTER
A tremendous defensive effort gave Sheridan its first football regional championship in over a decade.
The Blackhawks hosted North Decatur at Bud Wright Stadium on Friday for the Class 1A Regional 3 championship. The Chargers won the regional title there last season, but Sheridan turned the tables this year, winning the regional championship 24-20 in a hard-fought game.
The Blackhawks scored first, with Zach Bales punching the ball in from the one-yard line late in the first quarter after a lengthy drive that took 9 minutes and 20 seconds off the clock. North Decatur scored in the second period to tie the game at 7-7, and that would be the halftime score.
Sheridan took control in the third quarter. Bales added another touchdown, this one a two-yard run, with under four minutes to go in the period. Minutes later, Chance Spencer intercepted a Chargers pass and turned it into a pick six, taking it 27 yards to score.
Sheridan’s defense stepped up big for the Blackhawks on Friday, helping Sheridan to win its first regional championship since 2012. Pictured are Joe Franco (24) and Parker Williams (21). (Allison Waitt)
Blackhawks coach Bud Wright gave credit to his defense after the game.
“They won the ball game for us,” said Wright. “They were stout on defense also, but our defense stood up and stopped the run.”
Sheridan’s defense held North Decatur to 22 yards in 29 rushing attempts, and made several sacks on the Chargers quarterback, holding him to minus 37 yards on the ground.
The Blackhawks led 21-7 going into the fourth quarter. North Decatur scored midway through the period to get within 21-14. Owen Bell, who had already kicked all three extra points, added a 21-yard field goal with 1:31 left in the game.
The Chargers didn’t go away. They scored on the first play of their subsequent drive on an 80-yard touchdown pass. North Decatur then tried an onside kick, but Sheridan recovered and kneeled the game out from there.
Wright credited Eli Kolb with punting the ball well. Kolb punted three times with an average of 43 yards per kick.
“He had some nice punts, set them back deep on the goal line,” said Wright. “That was a big factor. He did a great job punting the ball.”
Eli Kolb punted the ball three times for an average of 43 yards per punt. Coach Bud Wright said Kolb’s punts were a big factor in Sheridan’s win. (Allison Waitt)
Bales led Sheridan’s rushing with 54 yards and two touchdowns.
“We didn’t get the yards we’d been getting, but it was a hard-fought ball game,” said Wright. “Our kids just stuck in there and got the job done.”
The Blackhawks won their first regional championship since 2012. Sheridan also claimed its 15th regional title in program history.
“You work to get wins,” said Wright. “It’s been a while since we’ve been there.”
The ‘Hawks are 10-3 and host Indianapolis Lutheran next Friday for the Class 1A north semi-state title.
SHERIDAN 24, NORTH DECATUR 20
Score by Quarters
North Decatur 0 7 0 13 – 20
Sheridan 7 0 14 3 – 23
Team stats ND SHER
First Downs 11 10
By Rush 2 6
By Pass 9 3
By Penalty 0 1
Rushes-Yards 29-22 40-103
Passing Yards 268 83
Comp-Att-Int-TD 12-21-1-2 3-4-0-0
Fumbles-Lost 0-0 1-1
Penalties-Yards 3-20 1-5
Punts-Average 4-29.5 3-43.0
Sheridan Scoring
First Quarter
2:40 – Zach Bales 1-yard run (Owen Bell kick)
Third Quarter
3:56 – Bales 2-yard run (Bell kick)
2:20 – Chance Spencer 27-yard interception return (Bell kick)
Fourth Quarter
1:31 – Bell 21-yard field goal
Sheridan individual stats
Rushing: Bales 18-54, Nolan Page 8-25, Eli Kolb 10-24, Bell 4-0.
Passing: Bell 2-3-44, Bales 1-1-39.
Receiving: Page 2-52, Parker Williams 1-31.