By Sam Brauen
After days of rain and a sloppy field, it was easy to predict that Delphos Jefferson would run the ball extensively Friday against Bluffton. But the dominance of their offensive attack was a surprise as the Wildcats soundly defeated the Pirates 33-3, holding BHS to just 43 yards of total offense. Delphos improved to 5-1 (3-0 NWC) on the season, Bluffton fell to 3-3 (1-2).
Hunter Brinkley led the way for Jefferson, carrying the ball 34 times for 162 yards. Brinkley scored the game’s first touchdown capping an eight play drive to open the game.
After the teams traded punts, Bluffton’s Dakota Bricker again showed his explosiveness with a 53 yard return to the Delphos 12 yard line. The Pirate offense went nowhere and Kyle Koontz booted through a 27 yard field goal which would be the lone points of the night for the visitors.
Delphos responded driving down to the Bluffton 19 yard line. The Wildcats ran a play action pass and quarterback Jace Stockwell found a wide open Ryan Wittler for a touchdown making the score 14-3 late in the first quarter. The Wildcats next drive started at the Pirate 34 yard line after a punt.
Five plays later Stockwell threw again to Brenen Auer for a 30 yard score. Auer added a three yard score with 1:44 left in the half and the score 26-3.
Delphos Jefferson again drove the field on their first drive of the second half but put the ball on the ground and Logan Rhodes recovered, his second found ball in two weeks. Despite strong field position, the Pirates went three and out and punted to the Wildcat six yard line.
DJ drove the 94 yards needed for the touchdown and 33-3 advantage. Now leading by thirty points in the second half, a running clock was instituted and no further points were scored.
Kaleb Jefferson gained 24 yards on 12 carries to lead the rushing effort for Bluffton. Quarterback Jason Bracy completed 3 of 8 passes for 9 yards.
Bluffton will host Spencerville Friday evening. The Bearcats are 5-1 and coming off a 35-7 win over Columbus Grove. Spencerville has not lost since Week 1, a 34-7 setback to undefeated Patrick Henry.
