Football kicks off their 83rd season
By Chip Dale | Aug 21, 2026 12:39 PM
For over a century (1905-1908, and 1948-Present), Friday nights in autumn have belonged to Delphi Oracle football. From classic conference clashes to the revered annual rivalry in the Bacon Bowl, Delphi’s football program has long served as a bedrock of community pride. The Oracles have built a gridiron tradition defined by grit, hard-nosed trench play, and small-town passion. Now entering a thrilling new era, Delphi welcomes one of North Central Indiana's most respected coaching minds to lead the program alongside a battle-tested roster of senior leaders and explosive playmakers. Over a Century of Gridiron Tradition Delphi’s football roots run back to 1905 under founding head coach Dr. Charles Haugh. Through decades of growth, the program produced iconic eras that defined local sports history: The Tony Berto Era: Legendary Indiana Football Hall of Fame head coach Tony Berto elevated Delphi into a statewide power, highlighted by three consecutive 10-0 undefeated seasons from 1964 to 1966. Berto’s career spanned decades and established standard-setting toughness for Delphi athletics. All-State Legends & Hall of Famers: Oracle history is decorated with First-Team All-State honors, including Steve Brehmer (1965–1966), Dick Widner (1961), Dennis Miller (1964), Greg Shaeffer (1965), Craig Groninger (1967), Mike Little (1971), Kevin Dittman (1976), Scott Barnard (1977), Mark Hoffman (1978), Curtis Brown (1988), Chad Houston (1988), and Blake Carroll (2018). Hall of Fame inductees Tony Berto and Vince Burpo further reflect the program's rich heritage. Championship Glory: Delphi’s mantle includes Hoosier Conference titles (1973, 1977, 1978, 1999, 2000), Hoosier Heartland Conference crowns (1993, 1994, 1997), and a memorable IHSAA Sectional Championship in 1977 that had the Oracles 1 play away from the State Championship. A New Chapter: The Arrival of Head Coach Terry Peebles Delphi football turns the page into an exciting modern era with the hiring of Terry Peebles as head coach. Peebles arrives in Delphi with an impressive coaching resume and a proven track record of engineering high-powered, winning football programs. A former standout quarterback at Indianapolis Cathedral and Hanover College, Peebles was named a first-team All-American in 1995 and a two-time Indiana Conference Player of the Year while setting multiple NCAA Division III passing records. He went on to play professionally in Europe before building a rich coaching background as an offensive coordinator across multiple college programs, including Hanover, Waynesburg, Benedictine, Western Kentucky, DePauw, and Carthage College. Peebles reentered the high school ranks and spent 11 seasons rebuilding Harrison. After inheriting the program on a 32 game losing streak, he compiling a 75-41 record. Under his leadership, the Raiders captured 4 Conference Championships and 2 IHSAA Sectional Titles, earning Peebles the 2016 IFCA Large School Coach of the Year award. Bringing his high-octane offensive background and championship pedigree, Coach Peebles takes over an Oracle program poised to make a quick turn around from last years 3-7 campaign, and reclaim hardware in the Hoosier Heartland Conference. Every dominant Oracle team is built at the line of scrimmage, and this year’s line is led by two physical senior anchors: Jax Fassnacht (SR, OL/DL) and Ethan McIlrath (SR, OL/DL) partner on the interior and are multiple time All-HHC players, and All-Area J&C award winners. Weston Brown (JR, QB) has taken command of Coach Peebles’ offense. Coming off a stellar sophomore basketball campaign where his court vision, clutch playmaking, and athleticism earned multiple ednd of year accolades. Brown seamlessly translates those dual-sport leadership traits to the football field. His mobility, arm talent, and quick decision-making give the Oracle attack a dynamic ceiling. Delphi’s skilled position player core features versatile dynamic weapons who demand attention on every snap: Xaine Tessier (SR, RB/DB) enters only his second campaign of football after posting a 4 rushing touchdown performance to end the 2025 regular season. Levi Coghill (SR, WR/DB) looks to be a primary weapon and feature heavily in the pass and run game, and Isaiah Arnett (SR, RB/DB) looks to show case his explosive athleticism in the new system. The heartbeat of the defense resides in a pair of tough, versatile senior two way playmakers controlling the middle of the field Noah Hutsell (SR, TE/LB) and Gavin Michael (SR, RB/LB) are both multiple time letter winners and look to play major roles in all three phases of the game. The Oracles schedule: 8/21 at Benton Central 7p 8/28 at Twin Lakes 7p (Rivalry Game - War for the Oar Traveling Trophy) 9/4 at Eastern 7p 9/11 vs Carroll 7p (Rivalry Game - Bacon Bowl Traveling Trophy) * 9/18 at Tri-Central 7p 9/25 vs Clinton Prairie 7p (Youth Football/Cheer Night) * 10/2 vs Sheridan 7p (Homecoming) * 10/9 vs Clinton Central 7p (Senior Night) * 10/16 at Taylor 7p 10/23 IHSAA Sectional 1st Round TBD * Fireworks Nights






