By Delano Whidbee
Bluffton Pirates football team had a big day, shutting out Paulding Panthers 48-0 at Harmon Field on Oct. 24. A stadium full the Pirates showed up in all phases to come out on top.
Mid-way through the first quarter Mitchell Ault found Robbie Stratton on a 27 yard pass completion for a touchdown. Point after kick by Kaleb Jefferson was good, 7-0 Bluffton. During the 2nd quarter BHS put their foot on the gas pedal and didn’t let up scoring 5 touchdowns.
More of a passing team, the Pirates found ways to utilize their run game more. Clay Wilson busted a run for a 13 yard touchdown. Point after kick by Jefferson was good 14-0 Bluffton. Devin Luginbuhl got into the action adding a 7 yard touchdown run. Point after kick by Jefferson was good 21-0 Bluffton.
Austin Bricker showed his undeniable talent, taking a 45-yard punt return back in to the Panthers end zone for a touchdown. Point after kick by Jefferson was good, 28-0 Bluffton. Defense left their mark on the scoreboard, Dylan Alt recovered fumble for a touchdown. Point after kick by Jefferson was good 35-0, Bluffton.
Wilson had him a day, punching it in from 5 yards out for a rushing touchdown. Point after kick by Jefferson was good, 42-0 Bluffton. Late in the third quarter Dylan Alt contributed with a 3 yard rushing touchdown. Point after kick by Jefferson was 48-0 Bluffton.
Offensively BHS 363 total yards more than doubled Paulding.
Quarterback Mitchell Ault threw 6-8, 98 yards, and 1 touchdown. BHS finesse game improving dramatically this week. Clay Wilson led the team in rushing with 14 carries for 82 yards and 2 touchdowns. Robbie Stratton had 2 carries for 52 yards. Stratton led the receiver’s 3 receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown.
Kaleb Jefferson led the defense with 6 tackles, Clay Wilson had 5 tackles. Austin Bricker had 45 yard punt return.
Bluffton ends the 2014 campaign at home versus Columbus Grove on Friday.