Alexander’s four touchdowns power Sheridan past Delphi, 52–12
Blackhawks build early lead, answer Oracles’ challenge and pull away with 19-point third quarter
DELPHI — When Delphi Community briefly found an opening Friday night, Sheridan quickly closed it.
The Blackhawks answered the Oracles’ first touchdown with two scores before halftime, then added 19 unanswered points in the third quarter to complete a 52–12 conference victory Oct. 2. Hayden Alexander led the way with 295 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 22 carries as Sheridan improved to 5–2.
Sheridan established control early with defensive stops and favorable field position. After a Delphi punt gave the Blackhawks possession at the Oracles’ 35-yard line, Alexander finished the ensuing possession with a 2-yard touchdown run. The extra point made it 7–0.
Another Delphi punt gave Sheridan its next opportunity. Quarterback Brock Hagan connected with Landon Moffitt for a long gain into Oracle territory before scoring himself on a 7-yard run. By the end of the first quarter, the Blackhawks held a 14–0 advantage.
Delphi’s defense offered some resistance early in the second quarter, stopping Sheridan on downs. But the Oracles could not turn that stop into points and punted again. Alexander followed with a long touchdown run, stretching the margin to 20–0.
The Oracles then produced their first scoring response, reaching the end zone through the air. Although the two-point conversion failed, Delphi had trimmed the deficit to 20–6 and had an opportunity to work its way back into the game.
Sheridan’s answer was decisive.
Alexander scored his third touchdown on a 35-yard run, restoring a 20-point cushion. After the Blackhawks forced another punt, Hagan found Moffitt for a long touchdown pass. The extra point pushed the lead to 33–6, and Brody Heck added an interception before halftime to halt another Delphi possession.
The Blackhawks carried that momentum through the break. Alexander broke loose for his fourth rushing touchdown early in the third quarter, extending the lead to 39–6.
Sheridan continued to mix Alexander’s running with timely passing. On another scoring possession, Hagan connected with Braxton Schwerdtfeger to move inside the Delphi 20. Alexander carried the ball to the 1-yard line, and Waylyn Grinstead finished the drive with a touchdown plunge.
The defense supplied the next score. Levi Gellert intercepted a Delphi pass and returned it for a touchdown, helping push the advantage to 52–6 before the end of the third quarter. From the moment Delphi pulled within 20–6, Sheridan had scored 32 consecutive points.
The Oracles added a fourth-quarter touchdown pass but again came up short on the two-point attempt,
