By Sam Brauen, www.blufftonpirates.com
The Bluffton High School football team will be on the hunt for their first winning season since 2015 when they take the field Friday August 24 at Cory-Rawson.  The Pirates finished 4-6 last season including a dramatic road win over Columbus Grove in the season finale. 

Nineteen letterwinners return for BHS including four offensive linemen and three defensive linemen.  The Pirates will once again run the flexbone triple option on offense as Coach Jeff Richards looks to capitalize on the speed and agility of his squad.  Seniors on this year’s quad include Logan Rhodes, Mason Ault, Trey Shisler, Ben Theisen, Jason Althaus, Chad Veit, Brett Basinger, and Deandre Nassar.  

The flexbone triple option provides for three running options on each play.  Back options include Deandre Nassar, Logan Rhodes, Trey Shisler amonth others. The quarterback position is up for grabs this fall with Rhodes, sophomore Tyson Shutler and freshman Nate Schaadt vying for the starting spot.  At line, competitors include Landen Luginbuhl, Chad Veit, Mickey Ault, Trent Howard, Aaron Tabler and others.  

Defensively, Jason Althaus, Mason Ault, Chad Veit, Landen Luginbuhl, Austin Reynolds and Nassar provide experience on the line and linebacker.  Logan Rhodes and Baylor Garmatter return in the defensive backfield as starters.  

The Pirates open the season with three non-conference games at Cory-Rawson, at Van Buren and a home game with Ayersville.  Four of the first five games are on the road. Conversely, four of the final five contests are in the friendly confines of Harmon Field including the last two matchups with Ada and Columbus Grove.