Home opener vs. Ben Logan on August 22

By Cort Reynolds

BLUFFTON__The Bluffton High School football team is coming off one of its best seasons ever and looks to continue that momentum into 2025 behind an explosive offense.

The 2024 Pirates fashioned a 13-2 record and advanced all the way to the Div. VI state semifinals, where they lost to eventual champion Coldwater. 

Behind a high-powered offense and stingy defense, they ran roughshod over most of their foes and went 6-0 in the Northwest Conference until a shocking week 10 42-0 loss to rival Columbus Grove relegated them to a second-place league finish.

The vengeful Pirates then rebounded to win the region 22 championship, dispatching four playoff opponents by a combined score of 141-35.
Head coach Jeff Richards enters his 10th year at the helm of the Pirate ship with a 51-43 record, but he has led Bluffton to a sparkling 25-4 mark over the last two years. Three of those four losses have been to nemesis Grove.

Fifteen lettermen will combine with 11 newcomers and other returnees to form another strong candidate for NWC title and playoff honors this fall.

The Pirates boasted the highest-scoring offense in the league last fall, as they set a school record by averaging 42.2 points a game.

“Offensively we return five starters–four of which were All-NWC, and three were All-Northwest Ohio,” said Richards. “We return a backfield that totaled close to 4,000 yards in 2024, along with a number of very fast perimeter players.  

“Three of our five offensive linemen return and will be an anchor for the group.  Defensively, we return three starters who were All-NWC and a number of key role players from 2024,” he added.
Last fall, Bluffton led the Northwest Conference with a rugged 10.1 ppg defensive effort. Graduated is key two-way standout fullback/linebacker Landen Worcester.

“Depth is always a concern at specific positions,” Richards admitted. “We are replacing a number of All-Ohio performers from our 2024 team (OL, WR, LB, DB). Consistency will be key with a new group of key position players.”

The Pirates return several key all-league players, led by junior quarterback Tayte Giesige. He is a returning All-NWC/All-Northwest Ohio signal-caller. 

Giesige racked up 2,838 all-purpose yards and accounted for 32 total touchdowns in 2024. He amassed 1,846 passing yards and 992 rushing yards. The athletic QB was also a state qualifier in the long jump, as well as on the 4x200 relay quartet.

Shifty junior Parker Lovell returns as an All-NWC running back. He rushed for 1,020 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2024.  

Two-way junior standout Mason Shank is back after earning All-NWC/All-Northwest Ohio honors on both lines. A two-year starter on the offensive line and expert in the trenches, he was also a state qualifier in wrestling as a heavyweight.

Senior anchor Hunter Betts is also back as an All-NWC/All-Northwest Ohio offensive lineman.

Senior Evan Grothause is back as another All-NWC/All-Northwest Ohio pick on the defensive line. He made 70 tackles and recorded six sacks in 2024.

All-NWC senior defensive back Javen Crawfis return to the fold after making 103 tackles and picking three interceptions last year.

Senior Braylon Goings (280 lbs.) is another returning starter on the offensive line who will see time on the defensive line as well.

Richards also singled out several players likely to surprise observers and opponents this fall.

Senior tailback Robby Taylor is stepping into a larger role this year on offense after scoring two touchdowns in 2024.

Junior Lleyton Miller is a very versatile and fast athlete capable of playing all over the field

Speedy senior wideout Kain Wright is new to the program, but is very fast and an athletic receiver. He was a state placer in the 400 meters.

“We have been working very hard to develop the talent that we have to create a balanced attack offensively, and a disciplined and aggressive defense,” Richards summed up.  

“Our mentality will be to prepare each week to be the best Bluffton Pirate team possible that steps on the field,” he added.

Streaking Bluffton won more games over the last two seasons than they did in the previous six seasons combined (23). The Pirates are 12-2 league play over the last two years, with both defeats coming in week 10 vs. CG.

Bluffton lost top senior groups in 2024 and 2025, including 15 players who graduated last spring. But the Pirates appear poised to reload and contend again.

The OHSAA has made post-season qualification tougher this year. They dropped the number from 16 playoff qualifiers to 12 per region this year. The Pirates should not have trouble getting back to the post-season and making a lot of noise.

The season kicks off August 22 at home vs. Ben Logan, followed by another home game vs. non-league rival Pandora-Gilboa in week two. 

The quest to regain the NWC title begins Sept. 12 vs. Delphos Jefferson.

Lima Central Catholic and defending champion Grove could be the biggest obstacles to Bluffton regaining the league crown. LCC, which rejoined the NWC last year, dominated the league with three straight titles and five total banners between 2006 and 2012 – while the since-departed Ada won the other two. 

The Saturday, Sept. 27 Pirate/LCC matchup at Spartan Stadium could very well help determine the 2025 NWC champion.

Bluffton shut out the Thunderbirds 35-0 a year ago. But LCC’s only other losses were to Div. III Shawnee in the season opener, and to powerhouse league champ Columbus Grove in the regular season and playoffs. CG went 14-1 and advanced to the state semifinals.

The Pirates end the regular season as usual vs. rival Grove on the road in week 10, another anticipated showdown with conference title implications on the line. 

2025 BLUFFTON SCHEDULE
Date Opponent (Home in CAPS)

*Northwest Conference games
Aug. 22 BEN LOGAN
Aug. 29 PANDORA-GILBOA
Sept. 5 at Toledo Bowsher
Sept. 12 DELPHOS JEFFERSON*
Sept. 19 at Spencerville*
Sept. 27 at Lima Central Cath.*
Oct. 3 CRESTVEW*
Oct. 10 FORT LORAMIE*
Oct. 17 at Allen East*
Oct. 24 at Columbus Grove*