Takayla Gadberry, sports information alumna

CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Bluffton University football team dropped a 70-21 decision on the road at Mount St. Joseph on Saturday, Oct. 29. The Beavers fell to 1-7 overall (1-4 HCAC) while the Lions stayed at a perfect 8-0 (5-0 HCAC).

Mount dominated the first quarter with five drives into the end zone for an early 35-0 lead. The Lions put up seven more at the start of the 2nd quarter before Bluffton's Maalik Tucker (Fostoria) punched in to make the score 42-7. MSJ rounded out the half with another touchdown and a 49-7 lead.

The Beavers struck first in the third quarter when Bobby Bourke (Commerce, MI/Albion) connected with Ethan Beringer (Findlay/Carey) for a 17-yard pass and a 49-14 score. Bluffton would score once more in the third when Tucker rushed 59 yards to paydirt, but it wouldn't be enough as Mount St. Joseph rolled to the 70-21 victory.

Tucker powered the Beaver offense with 19 rushes for 109 yards as well as three receptions for 54 yards. Beringer pulled down three catches for 62 yards with DeSean Bonte (Canal Winchester/Harvest Prep) catching one for 31 yards. Eric Smith (Northfield/Nordonia) added 12 runs for 53 yards to the Bluffton stat line.

Leading the Beaver defense was Dominic Appiagyei (Pataskala/Licking Heights) with 10 total tackles. Tyler Davis (Rittman) tallied six stops with Karl Foster (Detroit, MI/Denby) just one off his pace with five. Keith Holmes Jr. (Toledo/St. Francis DeSales) brought down the MSJ quarterback for a Beaver sack.

Bourke went 9-of-28 for 152 yards and one interception. Mount totaled 523 yards of offense compared to 322 for Bluffton. The home team moved the chains 19 times, while the Beavers finished with 14 first downs. Bluffton had to punt the ball nine times, six more times than the Lions.

The Beavers are back in action on Saturday, Nov. 5, when they welcome Anderson University to Alumni Field. Kickoff is slated for 1:30 p.m. Go Beavers!

-BEAVERS-