MUNCIE, Ind. — If you’re facing the Delta Boys Soccer team in the month of September, you may find it difficult to put the ball into the back of the net. The Eagles have posted seven shutouts on the season, and five of them have come in the past two weeks.
“To be honest, I'd just like to thank my defense. They have really upped the game that they have from last year to this year, with the addition of our sophomore center-back, and it’s just made my job a whole lot easier,” said senior goalkeeper Elijah Bell, following his fifth straight clean sheet posted in Delta’s 4-0 victory over rival Yorktown on Monday evening.
Bell has only given up four goals this season, a vast improvement from the 27 he allowed in his first full season as a starter last year. He credits significant improvement on the Eagles’ backline for his personal success, as well as the defensive efficiency overall. Delta’s offense is just as efficient–if not better.
Led by senior forward Maddox Huffman, who broke the school record for single-season goals in 2024, the Eagles have tallied 52 goals in their first ten contests–37 of which were assisted. However, when it comes to goals, only one is left on Huffman’s mind.
“I just want to win a sectional. If that means everyone scoring, or however it happens, I’ll take it,” remarked Huffman, who scored the Eagles’ lone goal in last season’s sectional semi-final defeat to eventual sectional champion Jay County.
The shift to a full team effort has been crucial for Delta’s offense, whose balanced approach has provided the team with five or more goals in six different games this season.
“When our team moves the ball, and we’re unselfish, good things happen for us, and that’s been a big part of our success this season,” added Head Coach Tony Pierce, who has put an emphasis on passing the ball. “I don’t care who scores the goals, we’re going to score goals as a team, and I think we’re fairly balanced this year.”
The road will only get tougher for Delta as they round out conference play against Pendleton Heights and New Palestine on Thursday and Saturday, respectively. Next week, the Eagles will also face Muncie Burris, who was ranked 7th in the state in Class 1A in the latest coaches' poll.
“The games get tougher. We're into the heart of the conference season right now,” mentioned Pierce, “We are aware of the winning streak. It's the best start in school history. It’s something we’re incredibly proud of, and we want to continue that.”
Contact Jayden Collins with comments at jayden.collins@bsu.edu.
