Bluffton unable to pull off upset against undefeated Lima Central Catholic, fall to .500
By Bryan Kress
Being down only 6-3 after the 1st quarter at home, maybe Bluffton could pull off the monumental upset with a freshman at quarterback.
This was not to be the case as the Bluffton offense, led by freshman Robbie Stratton in his 3rd start, could not score a point for the rest of the game. However, LCC could score more points, 33 more points in fact ending the night 39-3.
Simply put, Bluffton was outmatched by a bigger and more talented team.
LCC drove down on their first drive with ease and scored, but botched the PAT to go up 6-0.
After the score R.J. Stratton intercepted LCC's quarterback Tyler O'Connor pass to set up a 27-yard field goal from Matt Deter. That would be the last of the scoring for the Bluffton offense for the night. R.J. Stratton also added 5 catches for 62 yards.
It seemed that Bluffton may be able to play with LCC after the 1st quarter ended 6-3.
LCC then quieted these hopes as they would score touchdowns on their next 3 possessions before halftime, making the score 25-3.
Offensively in the 1st half Bluffton could only muster 90 yards. Quarterback Robbie Stratton was 10 for 21 for 92 yards and 1 interception.
Bluffton also gained 51 yards on the ground with Keshaun Hughes leading the team with 38 yards rushing along with 2 catches for 15 yards.
There were only 2 more scores in the 2nd half and the 1st was quite a bang, as Tyler O'Connor showed why he is going to play at Michigan State with a 61-yard rainbow through the dark, windy night to LCC receiver Mykale Rogers to make the score 32-3.
There would be 1 more LCC touchdown making the score 39-3.
Bluffton punted on all but 1 offensive series in the 2nd half.
Defensively Bluffton gave up 521 total yards with 331 yards on the ground and did not force a punt the entire night. Keshaun Hughes and R.J. Stratton both added 10 tackles. David Emans had 8 tackles along with a tackle for loss.
Optimistically, Bluffton did hold LCC to 39 points which is only the 4th time LCC has failed to score more than 40.
Bluffton will try to get a game above .500 as they travel to Paulding (0-8).
