CINCINNATI, Ohio - The Mount St. Joseph Lions welcomed the Bluffton Beavers to Schueler Field on Saturday as the University welcomed alumni back home for the 2024 Homecoming celebration. In a matchup of the top two teams in the HCAC standings going into the day, the Lions dominated the Beavers 63-27 in front of a near capacity crowd.
Offensively the Mount was extremely balanced in the game, they had a season-high 578 total yards (263 rushing, 315 passing). The game was their most efficient rushing performance of the season. Needing just 35 carries to get to that season-high 263 yards, which was good for 7.5 per carry, which was also a season-best.Â
Leading the way in the running game was senior
Jackson Gifford who had 18 carries for a season-high 156 yards (8.7 per carry) and 2 touchdowns.
Johnny Rager was also outstanding averaging 8.5 yards per, with 6 carries for 53 yards and a touchdown.Â
Defensively the Lions gave up 20 points in the first half, but halftime adjustments helped them to hold the Beavers to just 7 second half points.
Luke Paff was outstanding with 9 tackles (3 solo) and a pair of interceptions.
Evan Schlensker led the way with a team-high 10 tackles (4 solo).
They were also able to score on special teams, as
Michael Hunkus blocked a punt in the fourth quarter and fell on it in the endzone for the touchdown. Hunkus also added a receiving touchdown in the game.
Quarterback
Tyler Prather had one of his most efficient games of the season as well, going 20-for-27 passing for 315 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Eli Aston was the team's leading pass catcher with 7 catches for 169 yards and 2 touchdowns, one of which was a 75-yard bomb.
Kadin Pollard was targeted 7 times and caught all 7 passes thrown his way for 85 yards and a touchdown.Â
UP NEXT: The Lions will look to get one step closer to their third HCAC title in a row next week, as they will be on the road at Franklin. The Lions and Griz will square off from Faught Stadium with kickoff scheduled for 1:30 PM.Â
