CINCINNATI, Ohio — The Mount St. Joseph University football team defeated Bluffton University 54-23 Saturday afternoon at Schueler Field. The win improves the Lions' overall record to 5-1 and their HCAC record to 2-1.
Both teams went three-and-out to start the game. After another Bluffton three-and-out, the Mount drove 71 yards on six plays, taking a 7-0 lead when Eli Aston caught a 32-yard touchdown pass from Jaxon Schreiber.
After another three-and-out by the Beavers, Aston scored his second touchdown of the game on a nine-yard pass from Schreiber, extending the Lions' lead to 14-0. The score was set up by a 51-yard reception from Keymari Pittman, who brought the ball to the Bluffton 14-yard line.
On the Beavers' next drive, they recorded their first first down of the game. Early in the second quarter, Bluffton kicked a field goal to make the score 14-3. The Mount wasted no time responding, scoring on the second play of its next possession when Schreiber threw a 72-yard touchdown pass to Michael Hunkus. The extra-point attempt by Liam Cox went wide right, ending his streak of 27 consecutive made PATs.
On Bluffton's next drive, Hunter Sohns forced a fumble that was recovered by Pryce Davis. The Lions turned their next possession over on downs but got the ball back after forcing the Beavers to punt. Hunkus then caught a 41-yard touchdown pass from Schreiber. After a failed extra-point attempt, the Mount extended its lead to 26-3, and the teams headed into halftime with that score.
In the first half, Schreiber threw for 215 yards and four touchdowns. Hunkus recorded 142 receiving yards and two touchdowns, while Aston had 41 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Sohns forced a fumble and recorded four tackles.
To open the third quarter, the Lions drove 62 yards on seven plays and scored on a 22-yard touchdown reception by Daveion Cruse from Schreiber, extending their lead to 33-3. The touchdown drive was highlighted by a 48-yard reception from Aston, who broke the Mount's all-time career receiving yards record with 3,272 yards. Aston surpassed the previous record held by Lions Hall of Famer Andy Wellendorf, which had stood for 21 years.
The Beavers responded with a touchdown of their own, cutting the deficit to 33-10. The Lions answered with a seven-yard rushing touchdown by Dallas De La Cruz, extending their lead to 40-10. De La Cruz rushed for 61 yards on the drive.
On Bluffton's next possession, Pryce Davis intercepted the Beavers' first pass, giving the Mount possession at its own 40-yard line.
On the Lions' first possession of the fourth quarter, Jabari Kemp scored on a four-yard rushing touchdown, increasing the lead to 47-10. Antonio Williams contributed a 20-yard reception, while Kemp rushed for 29 yards on the drive.
After forcing a Bluffton three-and-out, Gavin Connor led the Mount on a five-play, 66-yard touchdown drive. Brandon Proffitt caught a 38-yard touchdown pass from Connor, following a 42-yard run by Kendell Buck-Barber that helped set up the score. The touchdown extended the Lions' lead to 54-10.
The Beavers scored twice in the final five minutes, but the Mount held on to secure a 54-23 victory.
Offensively, Schreiber threw for 425 yards and five touchdowns. De La Cruz rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown. Hunkus recorded 150 receiving yards and two touchdown receptions, while Aston finished with 95 receiving yards and two touchdown receptions.
Defensively, Dillon Pierce led the Lions with eight tackles, while Ailjah Walker recorded six. Davis added an interception, and Tristan Tincher recorded a sack.
The Mount totaled 625 yards of offense compared to Bluffton's 173 yards.
UP NEXT: The Lions will host Manchester University at Schueler Field for Homecoming on October 24. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
