Delta keeps Shelbyville offense in check to secure HHC win at McKeand Stadium

Shelbyville football head coach Scott Fitzgerald knew his Golden Bears needed a fast start Friday to end a six-game losing streak to Delta and 12-game losing skid in the Hoosier Heritage Conference.

Shelbyville’s defense battled but the offense struggled to put points on the scoreboard at McKeand Stadium in a 24-7 loss to the Eagles (1-2). The win was the first for new Delta head coach Billy Lynch.

Delta scored on the opening drive when Maddox Huffman delivered a 16-yard field goal just past the midpoint of the opening quarter.

An A.J. Thomas interception of Shelbyville quarterback Layden Fitzgerald led to good field position in Golden Bears’ territory. Grey Backus finished off a 39-yard drive with a 7-yard touchdown run for a 10-0 lead early in the second quarter.

Shelbyville’s five first-half possessions ended with four punts and an interception.

After Shelbyville’s opening possession of the second half resulted in another punt, Delta completed a 55-yard scoring strike to make it 17-0.

The Golden Bears finally got on the scoreboard with five minutes to go in the third quarter when Layden Fitzgerald connected with Grantland Fitzgerald for a 15-yard touchdown to cut the Eagles’ lead back to 10.

Delta finished off another drive with a 1-yard scoring run early in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

Shelbyville (2-1, 0-1 HHC) is on the road for its next two HHC contests. The Golden Bears are at New Castle (1-2, 0-1 HHC) Friday before traveling to Greenfield-Central (2-1, 1-0 HHC) on Sept. 19.

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