Bluffton’s Hayden Dearth tackles Spencerville’s Tyson Patterson during Friday night’s game at Spencerville.
Don Speck | The Lima News
SPENCERVILLE – It has been 13 years since Bluffton last left Spencerville with a victory on the gridiron and 23 years since the Pirates began the season 5-0. After a victory Friday night at Memorial Field the Pirates accomplished both tasks.
Bluffton compiled 446 yards of offense, 416 of those yards came on the ground in the 56-0 win.
Junior running back Landen Worcester put his Pirates on his back on the first drive. Bluffton struck first after just three plays: Worcester broke free for 50 yards, which was the first of three touchdown runs by Landen.
“Right out of the gate we knew what we wanted to do; we didn’t feel like they could stop our rushing attack, so we wanted to keep it on the ground.” Worcester said. “Our offensive line got great push and the holes were there. This year more then ever we have had more depth and it is awesome for all of us because we get a break and spread the wealth.”
Bluffton continued to work with their bread and butter keeping the ball on the ground on their ensuing possession. Worcester struck again with 7:03 remaining in the first quarter and just like that the visitors led 14-0.
Senior athlete Gavin Bogart ripped off a 35-yard run followed by a 25-yard scamper from junior Griffin Stackhouse to set Bluffton up inside the Cats’ red zone once again. Gavin finished the possession with a 1 yard run into the pay dirt, at the end of the first stanza Bluffton led 21-0.
The Pirates found minimal success throughout the passing game; senior Garret Bogart completed two of his four passes Friday night. Scrambling out of the pocket, Bogart kept his eyes down the field and found senior Braeden Jordan for the 3-yard score.
With 1:52 until halftime, Bluffton stretched its lead to 35 points when Gavin Bogart found the end zone for a second time, this time from 8 yards out. At the break, the Pirates led 35-0.
“The twin connection has a way to find itself. Gavin and Garret (Bogart) the overall work that the duo has put in during their four years is paying off for them. They are a large part of our success.” Richards said.
The second half began under the running clock format, something Bluffton has become used to. In three of their first four games, the Pirates were able to build a 30-plus-point advantage. Including Friday night’s victory, Bluffton has outscored its opponents 161-0 in the last three games.
“Our defense has done an amazing job all season, they bring a lot of pressure and confusion. It’s a great start to conference play.” Richards said.
The Pirates had three possessions in the second half, and three touchdowns.
Landen Worcester landed in the end zone for a third time with 2:18 ticking away in the penultimate frame. Following that scoring drive, Bluffton sent the starters to the bench and allowed some of their young guys to gain some Friday night lights experience.
Freshman Parker Lovell made the best out of his opportunity. Entering the game with 48 yards and one touchdown, Lovell blistered the Bearcat defense both times he touched the rock. Lovell found the end zone with 5:57 remaining following the longest run of his career, 65 yards.
Lovell wasn’t done. Less than three minutes later Parker was juking and jiving his way back into the end zone, this time from 20 yards out. Parker finished the night with two carries, two touchdowns and 87 yards.
“Have to give props to the lineman, they did most of the work. It is huge to start out 2-0 in conference play and we are building momentum.” Lovell said.
Jeff Richards said. “Parker (Lovell) is our scout team running back every week in practice, he puts in a lot of work throughout the week, and it was nice to see him capitalize under the lights tonight.”
Bluffton will continue its chase for a NWC championship next Friday night on the road against Ada. Spencerville welcomes undefeated Leipsic to Memorial Field.
Game summary
Score by quarters:
Bluffton 21 14 7 14 – 56
Spencerville 0 0 0 0 – 0
Scoring;
B – Landen Worcester 50 yard run (Kyle Basil EXP Good)
B – Landen Worcester 5 yard run (Kyle Basil EXP Good)
B – Gavin Bogart 1 yard run (Kyle Basil EXP Good)
B – Braeden Jordan 3 yard pass from Garret Bogart (Kyle Basil EXP Good)
B – Gavin Bogart 8 yard run (Kyle Basil EXP Good)
B – Landen Worcester 12 yard run (Kyle Basil EXP Good)
B – Parker Lovell 65 yard run (Kyle Basil EXP Good)
B – Parker Lovell 20 yard run (Kyle Basil EXP Good)
Bluffton Spencerville
15 First downs 5
446 Total yardage 106
416 Rushing yardage 16
30 Passing yardage 90
2-4-0 Passing (Com-Att-Int) 10-14-0
0-0 Fumbles-Lost 1-1
1 Punts-Average 6
3-20 Penalties-Yards 5-35
Individual leaders:
Passing: Bluffton – Garret Bogart 2-4-30; Spencerville – Carder Orr 10-14-90.
Rushing: Bluffton – Laden Worcester 160; Spencerville- Will Sensabaugh 2-6.
Receiving: Bluffton – Braeden Jordan 1-20; Spencerville- Nate Coulter 1-37.
Nate Stidham wrote this story for LimaScores.com. Reach The Lima News sports department at 567-242-0451.
