First down Delphi running back Tanner Lynde gets around Clinton Prairie's line for a second quarter first down Friday night. The Gophers spoiled the Oracles' Homecoming, defeating their hosts 19-14. Bill Stauffer photo The setting was perfect for the Delphi Oracles to get their first victory of the 2008 season on Homecoming Friday. The weather was beautiful and the opponent came into the game with a 2-2 record against less than stiff competition. Despite trailing by 14 points at one time the Clinton Prairie Gophers came back for a 19-14 win.

Early scoring opportunities were wasted by the Oracles. They took the opening kickoff and drove to the Gopher 20-yard line, highlighted by a 48-yard pass from Dustin Salyer to Karson Bender. A false start followed by a sack made it third and 28. A 13- yard pass from Salyer to Bender wasn't enough and on fourth down the Oracles decided to go for it. They ended up turning the ball over on downs after failing to get the needed yardage.

Roy Anderson stopped the Gophers on third and one with a jolting tackle to force a punt. This time the Oracles had a first down at the Gopher 12-yard line when they again shot themselves in the foot. An illegal procedure penalty and a holding call surrounded a one-yard gain to put the ball back to the 27- yard line. On second down Salyer completed a pass to Braden Atwood for 15 yards. Salyer's next attempt was intercepted by the Gophers and returned to the 30. The Oracles had blown two chances to take an early lead.

It took the Oracles special teams to finally put some points on the board when Brad Roth blocked a punt and Salyer picked it up and ran for a touchdown. A David Furnes kick put the score at 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Tanner Lynde of Delphi opened the second by sprinting 37 yards before getting tacked at the 20. This time the Oracles converted the opportunity into points. Salyer hit Bender with a floater in the right corner of the end zone for the 2-touchdown lead.

Clinton Prairie used up eight minutes of the clock on a 14-play drive that was capped by a two-yard score with barely three minutes left in the half. The ended 14-7, but easily could have been much larger.

The Oracles started the second half just like they started the game. Their drive stalled at the Gopher 16 and a field goal try never got off the ground when the holder couldn't get the ball spotted for the kicker. The Gophers wasted little time taking advantage. Alan Barker ran through the Oracle line and appeared headed for a touchdown before Salyer caught him from behind after 53 yards. A 21-yard pass followed by a missed extra point and the Oracle lead was trimmed to 14-13 midway through the third. A Salyer pass was intercepted and only a Daniel Clawson tackle stopped it from being returned for a TD. Clinton Prairie needed five plays to go ahead 19-14. A two-point conversion was no good.

Considering how the season is going the Oracles could have given up, but, instead moved the ball inside the Gopher 20 early in the final period. But, once again they came up short when Salyer was sacked on fourth down.

Delphi's last chance to earn a victory ended when Salyer attempted a Hail Mary pass from midfield that was intercepted with a minute left, sealing the game.

Delphi travels to perennial powerhouse and #1 ranked Sheridan for a game with a 7:30 p.m. start.