Delta’s Zach Mills looks for space to run against New Castle in a 49-7 win on Oct. 30, 2015.
Delta has a shot to make it at least one round further than they did last season.
The Eagles (8-3) host Pendleton Heights (5-6) at 7 p.m. Friday in the sectional championship, one year after falling in the same game to Yorktown.
If Delta wants to come out victorious, its best bet is to give the ball to running back Zach Mills. He leads all area rushers with 2,200 yards and has punched the ball into the end zone 26 times.
He scored three touchdowns in the first quarter against New Castle last week and four overall, part of Delta’s 49-7 win.
He figures to have openings against a Pendleton Heights defense that’s given up an average of 33 points per game this year, although it clamped down on Mt. Vernon (Fortville) last week in a 49-7 win.
If Delta wins, it’ll be the first time since 2009 that Delta advances to regionals. The Eagles would play either Roncalli (8-4) or Greenwood (7-4).
Winchester meets Eastbrook
Tenth-ranked Winchester (9-2) will have its hands full when it hosts Class 2A No. 5 Eastbrook (11-0) at 7 p.m. The visiting Panthers boast a potent offense that averages 367 rushing yards per game, highlighted by three rushers who have over 1,000 yards.
The Panthers run a no-huddle offense, which Golden Falcons coach Mike Jones said is hard for his scout team to replicate. On his side, Winchester has already faced four no-huddle teams this season.
“We think Eastbrook’s offense and defense are quite formidable and we try to prepare the best we can, just have to let the chips fall on Friday.” Jones said. “They’re a no-huddle group. They run their offense faster than we’ve ever seen.”
On the other side of the ball, Winchester boasts Kiante Enis, one of the most consistent running backs in the state. His 2,180 yards are second in the area to Mills, but his 32 touchdowns are surpassed by no local player.
If the Golden Eagles want to win, getting the ball into his hands could be a necessity. The win would push Winchester into regionals for the first time in program history.
Contact prep sports reporter David Polaski at dmpolaski@muncie.gannett.com Follow him on Twitter @DavidPolaskiTSP.