SHELBY — The Whippets will have a chance at history in Week 10.
A dominant 55-10 win over Marion Pleasant (1-8, 0-6) on Friday kept Shelby’s unbeaten record intact. The Whippets (9-0, 6-0) now have a shot at their first back-to-back undefeated regular seasons since they did it in 1967 and 1968.
Friday’s victory also clinched at least a share of Shelby’s sixth Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference title since the Whippets joined the league in 2019. Coach Rob Mahaney’s club can claim an outright championship next week with a win on the road against Marion Harding (3-6, 2-4).
Shelby has already clinched a home playoff game and a first-round bye with a top-4 finish assured in Division IV, Region 14.
All of the Whippets’ 55 points were scored in the first half Friday night — 28 in the first quarter and 27 in the second. Shelby outpaced the Spartans offensively 464 yards to 95.
Nearly 75 percent of the Whippets’ total offensive yards were gained on the ground (287 yards). Quarterback Brayden DeVito rushed for 154 yards and a pair of TDs, while Travis Slone ran for 79 yards and a score on two carries.
Freshman Luke Blevins rushed six times for 54 yards.
Through the air, DeVito was nearly perfect. The Air Force commitment completed 8-of-9 passes, throwing for 177 yards and 4 TDs.
Several receivers had big nights for Shelby, highlighted by tight end Michael Shepherd. The junior hauled in three catches for 63 yards and a trio of TDs. Fellow junior Brady Bowman added three receptions for 74 yards.
Other contributors included Gavin Miller, who caught a 26-yard TD pass, and Landon Foltz, who had a 14-yard catch.
Defensively, the Whippets were on the verge of pitching their fourth shutout of the season.
Pleasant was able to score its lone TD of the night early in the second quarter after recovering a muffed punt near the Shelby 20-yard line. Spartan running back Weston Shaffer scored a few plays later on an 11-yard run.
Pleasant added a 33-yard field goal in the third from Chase Van Oosten. Those were the only points scored in the second half from either team — with a running clock.
The Spartans will finish their season by hosting Highland (3-6, 2-4) in Week 10.