By Bryan Kress
Sloppy play dominated the 1st half of play for Bluffton and Carey Friday night. Carey's triple option attack dominated the second.
Carey racked up a total of 298 yards on the ground compared to only 122 total yards for Bluffton leading Carey to a 26-0 win over the Pirates.
Bluffton's 1st drive started in Carey territory but would end after a dropped touchdown pass and a muffed snap on a field goal attempt. This would end up being the Pirates closest they would come to scoring on the night.
Carey would score first on a Matthew Holsinger 36-yard run that was set up by a Robbie Stratton interception.
Turnovers and penalties dominated the rest of the half as neither team scored and both teams combined for 7 fumbles including 2 on attempted returns for Bluffton. Both teams also combined for 7 penalties on the night.
Carey's triple option would eventually start to pick apart Bluffton's tired defense as Austin Tschanen put Carey ahead 13-0 with a 1-yard push.
Bluffton's offense continued to struggle as they would punt on the remainder of their drives in the 2nd half.
Bryan Powers and Levi Smalley would cap the scoring for Carey in the 4th quarter with 7 and 5-yard touchdown runs respectively.
Robbie Stratton led the Pirate offense rushing with only 27 yards. Zach Wilson chipped in 10 yards on the ground as well.
Passing was a different story as Stratton completed 7 of 25 passes for 77 yards and 2 interceptions. For the second straight week Stratton looked uncomfortable as dropped passes and inaccurate throws led to a poor night in the air. The Bluffton passing attack needs to find whatever rhythm they can if they want to be contenders for a playoff spot this year.
Bluffton's defense did a solid job in the 1st half slowing Carey down, but in the 2nd was unable to contain the triple option after being on the field for nearly 30 minutes. Carey took advantage of the defensive fatigue and racked up a total of 300 yards.
Bluffton looks to regroup next week at home verse a 2-0 Jefferson squad who racked up 63 points against Paulding.