‘Swing play’: 70-yard fumble recovery propels Delta Charter past Cedar Creek

Published 10:39 pm Friday, October 4, 2024 By Patrick Jones FERRIDAY, La. — Delta Charter School senior running back/wide receiver Tyrin Singleton had 194 yards of total offense and two total touchdowns and junior free safety/wideout Harlem Gilmore had the play of the game with the game still in doubt as the Storm defeated the Cedar Creek School Cougars 38-20 on Thursday night. Delta Charter was leading Cedar Creek (0-5) 26-14 late in the game with the Cougars driving for a potential touchdown drive that would have made it a one-score game.

Instead, the Storm’s defense forced a fumble and Gilmore picked it up and ran it back 70 yards for a touchdown that gave the home team a 32-14 lead. “It was a big swing. It was a big play,” Storm head coach Blake Wheeler said.



Each team scored a touchdown after that. Singleton led the Storm in rushing with nine carries for 158 yards and one touchdown. He also led the team in receiving with one catch for 36 yards and a touchdown.

Senior quarterback Will Wiley completed five of 10 passes for 67 yards and one touchdown to go with 64 yards rushing and one touchdown on seven carries to go with two two-point conversions. Junior running back Hykeem Johnson had three carries for 62 yards and one TD as well as two catches for nine yards. Gilmore had one reception for five yards.

As a team, Delta Charter racked up 284 total rushing yards and 351 total yards of offense. “That’s what we try to do is run the ball. The offensive line did a phenomenal job, led by our seniors,” Wheeler said.

One thing Wheeler was not pleased with was how the Storm started off the game on each side of the ball. Even though Wiley did not throw any interceptions, Delta Charter fumbled the ball twice and lost both of them. “Offensively, I thought we came out a little slow.

Came out a little rusty. Turned the ball over uncharacteristically. Defensively, we started off slow.

But having a bye week, that’s to be expected,” Wheeler said. “They ran the ball well. (Assistant) coach (Richy) Spears made some adjustments and we shut the run down.

Defensively, twins Titus and Timothy Harrell, Landry Freeman, Braden Fairbanks, and Jeremiah Nelson stood out. Overall, I was pleased with the grit and resiliency.” Delta Charter (3-1) plays host to the Delhi High School Bears next Friday at 7 p.

m. for homecoming. It will also be the LHSAA District 2-1A opener for both teams.

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