As we've capped already, last night was an interesting night in the HHC, with the New Palestine Dragons taking sole possession of first place, the Greenfield-Central Cougars knocking Mt. Vernon from the league lead with an impressive defensive performance, and a big shakeup for the final two weeks of the season.
The Dragons only need to win one of their remaining two games to clinch a piece of their first HHC title since 2006. The Marauders can clinch a share by winning out, while Delta needs some help -- needing to beat MV next week and then have the Marauders beat New Palestine in Week 9, which could forge a 3-way tie. There is a four-way tie possibility that would also hand a piece of the title to Greenfield-Central, but it would involve the above scenario and then Delta losing to Shelbyville in Week 9.
Anyway, we had commentary on the implications of the games last night. Let's link you to the games themselves:
Greenfield-Central 14, Mt. Vernon 6: The Cougars clinch their first winning regular season since 2002, their first four-game winning streak since then, and knock off MV for the third time in four years. As is a trend, this game was a one-possession contest -- it has been for each of the last four seasons. G-C didn't have anyone stand out statistically because it was so balanced -- 120 yards rushing as a team, but Jake Hoskins and QB Carl Ellison led the team with 27 each. Matt Dickerson made several big plays -- 41 yards receiving, and had a rushing TD, a receiving TD and a big interception to seal the game in the fourth quarter. G-C's defense was stout, holding MV to 151 total yards and just 46 on the ground.
Daily Reporter
New Palestine 31, Shelbyville 6: The Dragons rolled up more than 400 yards of offense en route to their sixth straight victory. Once again, the No. 1 defense fails to give up a point -- Shelby's lone score came on the game's final play. NP's top defensive unit has allowed just two touchdowns in the last five games. NP used its special teams in this one, recovering a couple of on-side kicks to allow it to control the ball for much of the first half. Dragon RB Austin Cahoy scored three touchdowns and topped the century mark again, and NP's defense was stout, holding Shelby to 121 yards.
Daily Reporter, Shelbyville News
Delta 33, Rushville 7: The Eagles have quietly won five straight since their Week 2 loss at New Palestine. Delta's Austin Fuiatavai -- normally a lineman -- scored twice and the Eagles showed their balance, as Zach Overfield and Brice Benbow added rushing touchdowns and QB Ozzie Mann hit Garrett Zgunda for a TD. Delta gained 446 yards of offense, with Mann throwing for 193.
Muncie Star-Press
Pendleton Heights 49, Jay County 0: After two tough losses in conference play to Mt. Vernon and Delta -- both games where they had shots to win in the fourth quarter -- PH stepped out of league play and rolled. Dezmon Nunn ran for 140 yards and three TDs, and added a TD reception. QB Mitch Patishall threw for two touchdowns and 145 yards.
Anderson Herald-Bulletin
Yorktown 34, Gary Bowman 0: The Tigers got a chance to flex their muscles a bit by stepping out of HHC play, and they get their first victory of the year. The RB tandem of Derek Kundenreich and Brendon Barnes combined for more than 250 yards in a shutout victory. Kundenreich also had a fumble return for a TD, and QB Joe Todd threw a 50-yard TD pass early in the game.
Muncie Star-Press
In Hancock County
Wes-Del 20, Eastern Hancock 0: The Royals fell to a Wes-Del squad that is improving, dropping EH to 0-7. A 107-yard interception return in the second quarter turned the game for Wes-Del and led to the victory.
Daily Reporter, Muncie Star-Press
Looking ahead to Week 8
Our game will be a clash at the top of the HHC, as New Palestine plays for the conference title against Greenfield-Central, which has already knocked one team from the HHC perch. NP has won six straight, G-C has won four straight. Airtime is at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 8. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN LIVE.
The other big game is at Delta, where the Mt. Vernon Marauders will travel to face the Eagles in a matchup of teams tied for second in the conference and in title contention.
Pendleton Heights matches up with Rushville, while Shelbyville meets Yorktown in games matching the four teams that are currently fifth through eighth in the conference.
In Hancock County play, Eastern Hancock has a tough matchup, facing an unbeaten Shenandoah team that is averaging 53 points per game and just waxed Tri-Central 67-12.
Peeking ahead
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