Delphi hosts Wheeler in Sectional title game
By Todd Swank Contributing sportswriter

Mighty Oracle offense Oracle senior Cory Banes runs through the hole created by an aggressive Delphi line Friday night in the sectional semi final game against Winamac. Pictured from left are #62 Erik Jones, #51 Braden Atwood, and #58 Travis Yoakum taking out the Warrior defense. Bill Stauffer photo

The Oracles used a dominating second half to advance to the sectional finals with a convincing 24-12 win over visiting Winamac Friday night. Delphi outscored the Warriors 14-0 and out-gained them 97 yards to 38 yards with Kory Banes getting 89 of that total and scoring two touchdowns in the decisive third quarter.

The Oracles also had help from Michael Myers' all-around game. He caught a pass, made several tackles, knocked down two passes, grabbed an interception, and kicked three extra points and a 40-yard field goal.

The game started with a steady drizzle that continued throughout most of the night. That may have helped Delphi's power run game. Neither team could move the ball on the muddy field during the first quarter.

No gain for Warriors Delphi linebacker #14 Shane Evans and #15 back Justin Snyder break up a Winamac pass Friday night. Bill Stauffer photo

Delphi got the first down of the game on its third possession, but couldn't come close to scoring. The Oracles got the ball at their 35 with only seconds remaining in the opening period. They ran off a ten-play drive to take a 7-0 lead early in the second. Banes carried the ball the last four yards for the score.

The Oracles may have celebrated too long as the Warriors nearly ran the ensuing kickoff back for a score. Will Finkley was finally brought down at the Oracle 38-yard line after a 51- yard return. Eight plays later Finkley scored on a three-yard run. The Oracles managed to block the extra point attempt to preserve a slim 7-6 lead.

Braden Atwood sacked Charlie Dilts of Winamac on the next possession to set up a fourth and 26 situation at the Warrior 17- yard line. Interference to a fair catch call near midfield gave the ball to Delphi at the Warrior 35- yard line with 1:10 on the clock. Two passes by Dustin Salyer, one to Justin Snider and one to Dustin Oliver, moved the ball to the 8- yard line when the drive stalled.

There was some confusion as to whether or not to go for a first down or to kick a field goal. The Oracles got called for a participation penalty with about 17 men on the field. After the 15-yard penalty it was fourth and 16 at the 23-yard line. Myers came onto the field to attempt a 40-yard kick. The ball looked as though it hit an Oracle, but managed to go through the uprights. The Oracles led 10-6 at the half.

Winamac tried an onside kick but an alert Oracle fell on the ball. That gave the ball to Delphi at its 49 and a short field to work with. A Salyer pass to Myers and five running plays by Banes, the last one a 15 burst for a touchdown, stretched the lead to 1-6.

A short time later the Oracles again had the ball at the Warrior 47. Once again the offensive line opened big holes for Banes to run through. He ran it six consecutive times and a score.

Near the end of the third period, Delphi had the ball deep in their end of the field, when a fumble gave the ball to the Warriors at the Oracle 9-yard line to set up an easy touchdown. After a failed two point conversion the score was 24-12 going into the final quarter.

Delphi kept it on the ground in the fourth on offense to eat up the clock. Interceptions by Lewis and Atwood prevented the Warriors from mounting a comeback of any kind.

Delphi will play for the sectional championship for the first time since 2000 against Wheeler. Wheeler (10-1) defeated Rensselaer 12-0 to advance. The game will be played at Berto Field on Friday night with kickoff at 7.