This Delaware County rivalry clash brings the Hayes Pacers to Sunbury to battle the undefeated, #12-ranked Big Walnut Golden Eagles. Big Walnut has been a machine early in the 2026 season (3-0), operating an explosive multiple-spread offense. The Golden Eagles utilize wide receiver motions and variable formations to create favorable matchups on the perimeter. Their passing game is predicated on quick-rhythm throws, isolating linebackers in space, and executing perfectly timed bubble screens. Defensively, Big Walnut plays an aggressive 4-3 over front, relying on pure speed and gap-shooting defensive tackles to blow up plays behind the line of scrimmage.

Hayes enters the contest looking to pull off a massive upset through physical endurance and ground control. The Pacers operate a traditional Wing-T and double-tight end rushing attack. They rely on pulling guards, trap blocks, and backfield deception to confuse opposing defensive fronts. By constantly attacking the perimeter with buck sweeps while threatening the interior with fullback dives, Hayes forces defenses to play with perfect gap discipline. Defensively, Hayes deploys a 3-3-5 odd-stack, walking their hybrid safeties down to stop the run while trying to disguise coverage shells pre-snap.

Kickoff: Friday, Sept 11, 2026 (7:00 PM EDT)

Location: Big Walnut High School (Sunbury, OH)

Streaming: NFHS Network / OHSAA TV

The Trench Warfare and Linebacker Eye Discipline

Defending the Hayes Wing-T is entirely about eye discipline. If the Big Walnut linebackers stare at the running backs in the backfield rather than reading their “keys” (the pulling offensive guards), they will be washed out of the play. The Golden Eagles’ defensive ends must also maintain strict outside containment to prevent the sweep game from turning the corner. Offensively, Big Walnut must protect their quarterback on 3rd-and-long situations. If Hayes can generate pressure and force rushed throws, they will create the turnovers necessary to pull off the road upset.

Live Scoreboard & Results Update

Quarter	Hayes (Away)	Big Walnut (Home)
1st	0	14
2nd	7	21
3rd	0	14
4th	7	7
FINAL	14	56

Scoring Summary:

• Q1: Big Walnut strikes instantly on a 65-yard seam pass against blown coverage (PAT Good, 0-7). The Golden Eagles’ defense forces a quick punt, setting up a 15-yard RPO slant touchdown (PAT Good, 0-14).

• Q2: Big Walnut adds to its lead with a 24-yard quarterback scramble (PAT Good, 0-21). Hayes finds a rhythm, scoring on a 4-yard fullback dive (PAT Good, 7-21). The Golden Eagles answer with a 45-yard perimeter screen (PAT Good, 7-28) and execute a flawless two-minute drill to score on an 11-yard corner route before the half (PAT Good, 7-35).

• Q3: Big Walnut’s defensive front dominates, recording three sacks and forcing two turnovers. The Golden Eagles capitalize with a 38-yard play-action pass (PAT Good, 7-42) and a 9-yard inside zone run (PAT Good, 7-49).

• Q4: With the running clock engaged, Hayes manages a 12-yard consolation rushing touchdown (PAT Good, 14-49). Big Walnut’s backups punch in a late 6-yard run (PAT Good, 14-56) to finalize the dominant home blowout.