Eagles score early and often against turnover-prone Cougars

MUNCIE — Though Greenfield-Central hasn’t defeated Delta since the two schools began playing each other in 1997, the past two seasons the Cougars had come close to ending that streak, falling to the Eagles 6-0 in 2010 and 19-17 a year ago.

There would be no glimmer of hope for G-C Friday night in Muncie.

The host Eagles dominated from start to finish, beating the Cougars 48-8 in both teams Hoosier Heritage Conference opener.

It was G-C’s worst setback since Oct. 10, 2009, when New Palestine routed them 56-0.

Delta’s formula for success was simple: score quickly off Greenfield-Central mishaps.

The Cougars punted on their first possession and downed the ball at the Eagle 8.

However, four plays later Joe Spegal burst through the line for a 59-yard touchdown run.

G-C took over on its own 11 and fumbled on its next play. The home team recovered, and Mason Bechdolt scampered in from 11 yards out on the following snap to push Delta’s advantage to 14-0.

Austin Fuatavi then intercepted Cougar quarterback Derek Conley on the next drive. Bechdolt, the reigning 100-and 200-meter champion in the HHC, out-sprinted G-C defenders to the left corner of the end zone on the next play from 42 yards out.

“When they made a couple of big plays,” G-C coach Roger Dodson said, “the momentum started rolling in their favor.”

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