Silverdale Baptist Academy running back Connor Delashmitt doesn't mind being busy on Friday nights, and especially not when it comes with success like the Seahawks' 33-29 victory at rival Boyd Buchanan in a Division II-AA East Region showdown.
Delashmitt was once again a sledgehammer for the Seahawks, who despite having an undersized offensive line have rumbled to a 4-0 start, with back-to-back wins against Chattanooga Christian School and the Buccaneers. After his tough running accumulated 123 yards on 30 carries, the senior captain was smiling as he showed great admiration for his team.
"We are going to go faster than everybody else, stronger, and work harder than everyone," Delashmitt said. "We don't have the size on our offensive line, but they are all dogs. They work so hard. Honestly, without our line, wide receivers and quarterback, we wouldn't be a good team. Everyone is playing their part to make this such a great start."
Silverdale's speedy wide receivers certainly took the top off the defense for key plays throughout the game.
(READ MORE: Final scores and photos from Friday night's Chattanooga-area high school football games)
Cameron Mullins broke free down the right sideline for a 51-yard touchdown on Turner Junkins' pass on a trick play on the first snap of the game, while Clay Connor beat the defense deep downfield on the left sideline for a 49-yard touchdown pass from Brett Rogers for an early 13-0 lead.
Cameron Bowen also took both of his catches for scores, which included the winner with 6:21 left to play. On a slant route, Bowen leaped high in the air to grab Rogers' pass. Despite the football appearing to jar loose as he fell to the ground, the call on the field stood on an 8-yard touchdown pass.
"When we call their number, they make plays," Silverdale coach Mike Connor said of his receivers. "Games like this come down to not calling plays, but calling players. As long as we stay healthy, we can compete with anybody."
Boyd Buchanan (1-3, 0-2) showed outstanding fight and took the lead 29-26 with 10:53 left to play on a tough 6-yard touchdown run by sophomore breakout Jaylon Sanderfer.
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Sanderfer finished with 17 carries for 118 yards and two touchdowns, and Caden Johnson had 64 first-half receiving yards and a score. David Dixon also ran hard between the tackles, while Malachi Powell had two key interceptions to help keep the Bucs within striking distance.
Silverdale's defense tightened up when it mattered most, though. The unit was led by Brody Lamb, who had 10 tackles, including two for loss, and Bryson Qualls had a fumble recovery.
Junkins made plays all over the field as he had an interception, a touchdown throw, 50 receiving yards and six tackles. Rogers was 13-of-19 passing for 189 yards and three touchdowns, and Mullins led all with 91 receiving yards.
"Our players believe in each other," Coach Connor said. "We talk about pounding the stone. It's like a stonecutter. We will hit them 100 times, and that thing is going to break and we are going to get what we want. Our offensive line may have been undersized, but that group is the most connected unit and hardest working we have."
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.