Box Score LOCATION: Emery Sears Athletic Complex (Bluffton, Ohio)
THE BASICS:
Mount St. Joseph (0-3, 0-1 HCAC) dropped their conference opener on the road to Bluffton (3-0, 1-0 HCAC). The game was a rain soaked affair dominated by defense and the running games, and Bluffton came out on top 16-6.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The first quarter of the game was absolutely dominated by defense, as the teams combined to have 10 posessions in the first quarter. Of those 10 possessions 7 ended with a punt, and 3 ended in turnovers. No drive by either side in the first quarter gained more than 12 yards, and neither team had a drive of more than 5 plays.
The second quarter started quite a bit differently as the Lions lined up for the first play of the quarter with a 4th and 1 from the Bluffton 29 yard line. On fourth down the Lions called the number of Quarterback Mike Williams, who was dropped for a loss forcing a turnover on downs. Bluffton preceded to go on a 12 play, 70 yard scoring drive. Which was capped off by a Dante Carroll five yard touchdown run. Bluffton would force a 3-and-out on the Lions next series. They would score their second touchdown in as many possessions, on the strength of Connor Sheehan touchdown toss. That touchdown pushed the score to 13-0 which would hold through half-time.
The second half opened with the Lions receiving the kick-off. This first series of the second half would be the Lions best of the day. They would go on an 8 play, 60 yard touchdown drive to open the half. The big plays on the play were delivered by Williams as he rushed for 38 yards on the drive, and capped the drive off with a 2 yard touchdown pass to Cory Hastings. This would be the Lions lone scoring drive of the game.
Bluffton would add a 29 yard field goal a few minutes later, the final score of the game. The final would stand 16-6 with the Lions on the short end of the stick.
STANDOUTS:
Mike Williams returned to the Quarterback position that he played so well last season. While he struggled throwing the ball in the elements he was able to rush for 63 yards on 14 carries.
The defense played very well and was led by Nolan Miller who tallied 9 tackles (6 solo) and a sack. Defensive back Tyler Hannah added 7 tackles (3 solo) and also played effective pass defense as he picked off two Beaver passes.
UP NEXT:
The Lions play host to Manchester University, Saturday September 24th. Kick-off is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
