By Evan Skilliter, sports information assistant
Stats http://www.bluffton.edu/sports/football/2012/10-27-12.htm
The Beavers traveled to Anderson, Ind., on Saturday, Oct. 27, following a bye week and defeated the Ravens, 13-0, in a sloppy game that featured four missed field goals and a missed extra point for the Beavers.
Bluffton forced Anderson into a three-and-out on the first possession of the game and capitalized when running back Jason Brown (Napoleon) found the end zone on a huge 55-yard run. Austin Sweeney (Adrian, Mich./Whitmer) connected on the extra point to make the score 7-0 in favor of the visiting Beavers.
The Bluffton defense was able to hold off the Ravens until the Beavers scored again early in the fourth quarter when junior Airic Steagall (Hillsboro) scampered to pay-dirt from four yards out to extend the lead to 13-0. The score stood after a failed extra point. The defense continued to stand up to the test as the Beavers posted their second shutout of the season.
Brown led the way for the Beaver offense, rushing the ball 12 times for 128 yards and a touchdown. Calib Alexander (Oscala Fla./St. John Lutheran) added 59 yards on 12 touches while Steagall finished with 29 yards and a touchdown on eight carries.
Nick Sheehan (Monroeville, Ind./Heritage) paced the Beaver aerial attack, completing 7-of-10 passes for 95 yards. Junior Tyler Wright (Troy) added 53 yards while connecting on 4-of-12 passes.
Shawn Frost (Edison/Mt. Gilead) caught four passes for 73 yards to lead Beavers receivers. Ryan Sabin (Canal Winchester) chipped in with two catches for 41 yards.
Defensively, Josh Runda (Lima/Bath) led the Beavers with 12 tackles, seven solo and one for a loss. Runda also added a sack and a fumble recovery. Senior Preston Huddleston (Benton Harbor, Mich.) amassed seven tackles (four solos), 1.5 sacks and three tackles-for-loss. Ben Kaufman (Ottawa-Glandorf) added 11 tackles and Eric Wilfer (Bloomville/Buckeye Central) intercepted the first pass of his career.
The Beavers (5-3, 4-2 HCAC) will be on the road next Saturday, Nov. 3, at Franklin before wrapping up their season on Saturday, Nov. 10, in Salzman Stadium against Defiance. The Franklin contest is slated to start at 1:30 p.m.
