Post Photo by Gary Johnson Shelbyville Central senior Rocky Chandler, along with Brody Lovvern and Ray’Daun Crenshaw make ma big stop for a loss in the Golden Eagles blowout win over Hillsboro in the opening round the TSSAA State Playoffs on Friday night.
Post Photo by Gary Johnson Freshman Steven Bobo hauled in four passes totaling 50 yards for Shelbyville Central on Friday night.
Post Photo by Gary Johnson Rocky Chandler rushed for 106 yards on nine carries to lead the Golden Eagle offense on Friday night.
By Gary Johnson
Sports Writer
SHELBYVILLE — To say that Shelbyville Central’s Golden Eagles are on a roll would be a huge understatement.
The Golden Eagles have won 10 games in-a-row after rolling past Hillsboro 41-7 in the opening round of theTSSAA Class 5A State Playoffs on Friday night.
After a scoreless opening quarter, Shelbyville Central took control of the game and never looked back, scoring 41 unanswered points before the Burros (6-5) found the end zone late in the game.
“Miscues kept us out of the end zone on our first two offensive series. Just a few mental mistakes and several penalties stopped our drives,” Shelbyville Central coach Jud Dryden said.
“From that point we really played well and took over the game on both sides of the ball. I’m proud of these players, coaches and I’m extremely glad we get to play in front of our great fans again next week.”
The Golden Eagles host Region 6-5A No. 2 seed Centennial (9-2) on Friday night at the Eagles Nest at 7.
Shelbyville Central’s defense was outstanding, allowing only 76 total yards, five passing yards and 71 on the ground.
The Golden Eagle offense was as balanced as it has been all season, rushing for 171 yards while passing for 146 for a total of 317 yards.
“We were more balanced on offense, but that was the case because of what they were giving us. They loaded the box in order to stop the run and that allowed some favorable matchup in the passing game,” Dryden said.
Shelbyville Central scored a pair of touchdowns in the second quarter, the first a 1-yard run by quarterback Nathan Delaughter followed by a 33-yard pass to Michah Threatt from Delaughter.
Ben Betzelberger connected on both kicks after as the Golden Eagles were in control 14-0 at halftime.
Shelbyville continued to dominate in the third quarter, adding three more rushing touchdowns.
Delaughter scored on a 6-yard run, then Rocky Chandler followed with TD runs of 35 and five yards.
Betzelberger was perfect on all the extra points to increase the lead to 35-0 after three quarters.
With a running clock the entire fourth quarter, the Golden Eagle defense got on the scoreboard when William Bobo intercepted a pass and returned 45 yards for a TD.
The Burros capped off an 80-yard drive when Giovanni Reames scored on a 6-yard run.
Delaughter went 9-for-14 for 124 yards.
Chandler rushed for 106 yards on nine touches while freshman Steven Bobo had four receptions totaling 50 yards.
“Again, I just cant say enough about our defensive effort. They were issued a challenge at the start of week and they really stood up to that challenge,” Dryden said. “We will even have a bigger challenge this week on both sides of the ball.”
Hillsboro 0 0 0 7 — 7
Shelbyville Central 0 14 21 6 — 41
Second Quarter
SC — Nathan Delaughter 1 run (Ben Betzelberger kick), 9:13.
SC — Michah Threatt 33 pass from Delaughter (Betzelberger kick), 5:04.
Third Quarter
SC — Delaughter 6 run (Betzelberger kick), 6:20.
SC — Rocky Chandler 32 run (Betzelberger kick), 3:43.
SC — Chandler 5 run (Betzelberger kick), 0:41.
Fourth Quarter
SC — William Bobo 45 interception return (run failed), 10:46.
H — Giovanni Reames 6 run (Drew Thornton kick), 3:57.
