By Delano Whidbee, Icon sports intern

After two tough road games the Bluffton Pirates welcomed Delphos Jefferson Wildcats to their first home game of the season. Missed opportunities played a big role causing the (1-2) Pirates to lose to the (3-0) Wildcats 22-19.

GAME STATS IN ATTACHMENT AT BOTTOM OF STORY.

BHS struck the first points as quarterback Mitchell Ault threw a 33-yard beauty to wide receiver Austin Bricker for the touchdown. Point after kick by Dylan Alt was no good, Bluffton led 6-0.

Using his arm again Ault launched a 35-yard pass to wide receiver Clay Wilson for a touchdown early in the second quarter. Point after kick by Alt was good increasing the 13-0. The Wildcats put their first points on the board as they punched in a 1-yard touchdown run before halftime. Point after kick was good shortening the deficit to 7-13. 

Delphos scored on a 22 yard run with 6 minutes left in the third quarter. Point after kick was good, putting them in the lead 14-13.

BHS answered with a score of their own in the third quarter; as Ault hit his target on 45 yard bomb to Wilson. Two point conversion run by Ault was no good Bluffton regained the lead 19-14.

The Wildcats scored on a tough 1-yard run for the go ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. Two point conversion run was good; DJ jumped back in the lead 22-19. BHS couldn’t answer as they take their second straight loss.

The Pirate’s quarterback Mitchell Ault was 18 for 35, throwing for 328 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Robbie Stratton led the receivers with 7 receptions and 131 yards averaging 18.7 per catch. Wide receiver Sam Crisp followed up with 3 catches for 115 yards, averaging 38.3 per catch and 2 touchdowns.

Freshman linebacker Kaleb Jefferson led the defense with 7.5 tackles and Clay Wilson rallied with 7 tackles. Devin Luginbuhl, Dylan Alt, and Robbie Stratton all contributed with 6.5 tackles.

The Bluffton Pirates will be back on the road as they travel to face Crestview Friday.