A high speed granule delivery system and method is disclosed for dispensing granules in intermittent patterns onto a moving asphalt coated strip in the manufacture of roofing shingles. The system includes a granule hopper and a rotationally indexable pocket wheel having an alternating series of pockets and lands formed into the circumference thereof, and which is positioned adjacent a nozzle in the bottom of the hopper. Upper and lower side portions of the pocket wheel define and are exposed to upper and lower extents of a store of granules. A seal on the bottom of the lower extent of the store of granules seals against the raised lands as the wheel is indexed. In use, the pockets of the pocket wheel drive through and are filled with granules in the store of granules. As each pocket is indexed beyond the seal, it is exposed to the moving asphalt coated strip below and its granules fall onto the strip to be embedded in the hot tacky asphalt.