Nowhere to run The Oracles had few answers for the strength of Wheeler's running backs Friday night. Delphi's #12 Kyle Stonebraker takes his shot at the Wheeler runner after his teammates had their chance to stop the touchdown. Wheeler defeated the Oracles 28-7. Bill Stauffer photo In Delphi's wins in the first two rounds of the sectional, its recipe for winning had been to get an early lead and wear the opponent down in the second half. That strategy paid off Friday night, unfortunately not for the Oracles. Wheeler defeated the Oracles 28-7 in the final game of the sectional.

Although the Oracle's defense played a decent game, Wheeler had too many weapons for Delphi to try to stop. Quarterback Mike DeSimone threw for over 1,400 yards, while running backs Harold Branch and Clay Duarte ran for over 1,800 yards collectively. DeSimone passed for almost 100 yards, while Branch (5-11, 212 lbs.) and Duarte (5-7, 150 lbs.) each scored two touchdowns. Branch rushed for 131 yards and Duarte got 121.

Wheeler had the ball to open the game and showed that their 10-1 record was well deserved. They used a no huddle offense and drove 75 yards in 14 plays. Less than four minutes had been played and the Oracles were behind 7-0. Less than two minutes later the lead was 14-0 after Delphi fumbled and Wheeler had a short field.

After the kickoff the Oracles looked like they were going to get back into the game. They moved the ball into the red zone of Wheeler before the drive stalled. On second and one at the 17 Banes was stopped for no gain. On third down Dustin Salyer lost two yards. Delphi's coaches decided to go for it on fourth down, but the Oracles came up a yard short. The first period ended 14-0.

Wheeler took a 21-0 lead 3:48 before half, driving 52 yards on only two plays. Branch got his second touchdown on a 24-yard run.

The Oracles had several chances to stop Wheeler on third and long or on fourth down plays, but couldn't come with the needed stop.

The Oracle defense played better in the second half, allowing only a 4-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

The Wheeler defense continued to play well too.

Delphi couldn't move the ball past midfield on three third period possessions. Wheeler ate up five minutes of time and took a 28-0 lead early in the fourth to put the game out of reach. With senior Shane Evans replacing Salyer at QB, the Oracles scored on a 25-yard Evans to Kyle Stonebreaker pass with seven minutes left. Although Wheeler was ready, Delphi managed to get possession of the ensuing onside kick at the 50-yard line. The Oracles got a first down inside the 40 before an Evans sack surrounded by three incomplete passes turned the ball over to seal the game.

The Oracles ended their season with a 4-8 record. This team played what had to be one of 2As toughest schedules this year, playing no less than five ranked teams. After suffering through a four game losing streak late in the season they came together and played some of their best ball when it counted most advancing to the sectional final for the first time since 2000.

If next year's team plays as hard as this year's seniors, it should be an exciting season.