The Bluffton University football team traveled to Defiance on Nov. 16, to take on arch rival Defiance College in the final game of the season for both teams.
Unfortunately for the Beavers, they could not get any offense going which led to a 10-7 loss to the Yellow Jackets. Bluffton fell to 2-8 overall and 2-5 in the Heartland Conference, while Defiance improved to 1-9 overall and 1-6 in the HCAC. The Beavers still lead the all-time series 47-46-2.
After a scoreless first half of football, Defiance would get on the scoreboard first when kicker Andres Riley-Clark converted a 22-yard field goal to make it 3-0 with 3:53 left in third quarter. The Yellow Jackets found the end zone on a Brandon Beckford 4-yard run which made it 10-0 with just 7:45 left in the contest.
Bluffton made it a three-point game when Jontez Chaney-McClarin (Cleveland/Hocking College) hauled in a 35-yard strike from sophomore quarterback Zachary Nobis (Bryan) to make the score 10-7 with 6:14 on the clock. The Beaver defense would come up huge on the ensuing Yellow Jacket possession, holding them to a three and out while allowing Bluffton to either take the lead or tie it up.
Unfortunately, a fourth down field goal try for the Beavers got blocked by Defiance. Bluffton would force another three and out before a Yellow Jacket punt, but the Beavers fumble the ball and Defiance recovered to seal the DC victory.
Bluffton totaled 250 yards of total offense, including 173 yards passing and 77 yards on the ground. Nobis went 20-of-31 for 173 yards with one touchdown and an interception in the loss. Dontez Rash (Brecksville/Slippery Rock) led all Beaver rushers with 52 yards on the ground.
Defiance put up 203 yards of total offense, including 47 through the air and 156 in the rushing attack. Bluffton was 1-of-12 on third downs while Defiance went 5-of-16. The home team was call for eight penalties which totaled 90 yards on the day.
Senior Ollie Moorer (Warrensville Heights) led the way for the Beaver defense with 15 tackles. Freshman McKinley Hunter (Canton, GA/Cherokee) checked in with 12 stops.
Check back later next week for updated record books and the All-Heartland Conference release which is slated for Wednesday, Nov. 20.
