Anderson uses strong second half for 28-3 win at Bluffton
October 31, 2009
By: Josh Bruner, sports information assistant
Click here for box score
BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University football team hosted Anderson University
for a conference matchup on Saturday, October 31, 2009. The Beavers and Ravens were
neck and neck as the defenses kept the contest scoreless through the entire first
half. The Ravens came out of the half strong, punching in three touchdowns during
the third quarter, while the Beavers managed to put in a field goal. Anderson added
another touchdown in the fourth to make the final score 28-3. Bluffton fell to 0-8
overall and 0-5 in the Heartland Conference, while Anderson cracked the win column
for the first time this season.
The first quarter started off strong for the Beavers as the first Anderson drive was
stopped when Curtis Martin (Detroit Mich./Central) forced a fumble and the Beavers recovered. The offense could
not capitalize and was forced to punt. The teams then exchanged punts for the rest
of the quarter to keep the scoreboard quiet at the end of 15 minutes of play.
The second quarter started was more of the same for the Beaver defense as they held
the Ravens at the Beaver's 22-yard line and forced a field goal. Sophomore lineman
Justin Crosier (Columbus/Hamilton Township) blocked Tristan Cork's 39-yard attempt to keep the Ravens scoreless. The teams once again exchanged punts
for the rest of the quarter, sending the game to the break deadlocked at 0-0.
The third quarter saw the Ravens pound in their first touchdown after just five minutes
of play when Ryan Hildenbrand capped a seven-play, 59-yard drive with his one-yard plunge. The Beavers came back
strong with a 50 yard kick return by Jason G. Johnson (Cleveland/Collinwood) to set up the 30-yard field goal by John Thompson (Carmel, Ind./Carmel) at the six-minute mark. The Ravens answered with another touchdown,
set up by a 57-yard completion. Eight seconds later, Anderson added another quick
seven points following a fumble return for a touchdown to finish the third quarter
with a 21-3 advantage.
The Beavers are forced to punt to start the fourth quarter, the Ravens took advantage
of the field position as they powered in one more touchdown with just under nine minutes
left in the game. The visitors controlled the clock through the rest of the quarter,
holding the ball for 11 of the 15 minutes to complete the 28-3 win over Bluffton.
The Raven offense put it together in the second half as they went for 305 yards, while
holding the Beavers to 108. Bluffton threw for 64 yards, completing 9-of-24 throws,
while Anderson completed 7-of-15 passes for 113 yards. The Ravens' rushing was the
difference as they carried for 192 yards on 54 carries, while the Beavers were held
to 44 yards on 41 carries. Both squads were flagged for four infractions. The Ravens
were efficient on third-down conversions as they moved the chains on 9-of-15 attempts,
while the Beavers converted just one third down. The Beavers picked up 10 first downs,
compared to the 16 for the Ravens.
Brock Miller (Cincinnati/Oak Hills) led the Beavers' passing, connecting on 7-of-19 attempts for
53 yards. Alexander Carter (Troy) hauled in two catches for 22 yards. Jason A. Johnson (Lansing, Mich./Lansing Eastern) picked up two receptions for 18 yards. Tevin Hale (Latty/Wayne Trace) went for 40 yards on the ground.
Shane Hubbard (Johnstown/Big Walnut) led the Bluffton defense with 11 tackles, one of which was
a sack. Martin added eight stops, followed by Jake Luthy (Ida, Mich./Ida) and Jordan Achtermann (Bucyrus/Bucyrus) who added seven apiece. Freshman Stephen Miller (Logan) chipped in with six stops.
The Beavers travel to Hanover College for another HCAC matchup next Saturday, November
8. The contest is slated to start at 1:30 p.m.
-BEAVERS-
