MARION — Shelby’s first stern test in the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference football season arrived on Friday night in Marion.
The Whippets made their fans sweat bullets until the final minute before passing it.
Luke Blevins powered in for a 3-yard score with 45 seconds remaining, and the ensuing two-point conversion boosted coach Rob Mahaney’s team to a seat-squirming 30-23 win at Pleasant.
The victory gives undefeated Shelby at least a share of its fourth straight MOAC championship.
As usual, quarterback Michael Shepherd was in the thick of the fray. The senior standout sped 49 yards for a game-opening touchdown, then tacked on a 2-yard scoring plunge to give the Whippets a 14-10 first-quarter edge.
But the Spartans responded with a TD of their own to take a 17-14 margin into intermission.
Early in the third period, Pleasant quarterback Weston Shaffer broke loose for a 19-yard dash, his third touchdown of the night, and the Spartans suddenly enjoyed a 23-14 bulge.
Plowing through the wet, chilly conditions, Gavin Baker capped Shelby’s 96-yard march with a 6-yard touchdown, but the PAT failed — leaving the score at 23-20.
The Whippets’ defense trapped Shaffer in the end zone early in the fourth quarter to slice the gap to 23-22.
The Blevins TD, and Shepherd’s conversion pass to Max Miller finally finished it.
Shelby was its potent self on the ground, with 337 yards on 37 carries. Blevins led the way with 185 yards on 17 attempts, while Shepherd added 110 on 9 carries.
Shepherd completed 9-of-20 passes for 169 yards. Blake Bowman was the top target, snaring 4 catches for 84 yards.
The Whippets dominated the statistical battle, outgaining Pleasant in total yards (504-168), rushing yards (337-66) and passing yards (169-166). Shelby also enjoyed a 22-12 edge in first downs.
But Mahaney’s squad suffered lost four of their five fumbles, while the Spartans had just two turnovers.
The Whippets improved to 9-0 overall, 6-0 in the conference, and will try to wrap up a perfect season next week at home against Marion Harding.
Pleasant falls to 2-7, 1-5. The Spartans conclude their season at Highland next week.