FRANKLIN, Ind. — Bluffton overcame a 14-7 fourth quarter deficit at Franklin on Saturday as the Beavers scored 17 unanswered points in the final quarter to take a 24-14 victory in Indiana. The win improves Bluffton's record to 6-2 overall and 4-1 in the Heartland Conference.
Bluffton now leads Defiance and Hanover by a half-game in the race for the HCAC automatic bid. Bluffton and Defiance meet to end the regular season Nov. 11.
Franklin led 7-0 and 14-7 as the Grizzlies took advantage of a long punt return to set up one touchdown and a BC turnover deep in Bluffton territory to set up the other. The Beavers, however, scored points on their final three possessions of the game as the Defense held the potent Franklin offense out of the end zone.
Quarterback Brad Moore capped off a seven-play drive early in the fourth quarter with a 1-yard run to tie the game at 14-14. On Bluffton's next possession, the BC offense ran off 13 plays down to the Franklin ten yard line before Brandon Cupples gave Bluffton its first lead of the game with a 27 yard field goal with 4:49 left in the game. Shawn Goetz then picked off a Franklin pass on the Grizzlies' next drive, setting up another 1-yard sneak by Moore to give Bluffton a 24-14 lead that would be the final score.
Goetz ended the final Franklin drive with another interception with 3:30 left in the game, and after Bluffton's final touchdown Darren Riffle caused a fumble on the Franklin kickoff return, which was recovered by Lucas Wilson that he returned 7 yards.
The Bluffton defense held Franklin to 29 yards rushing and 148 yards passing and caused four turnovers to lead the Beavers to their second consecutive 6-2 start. Of Franklin's final seven possessions, BC recorded three interceptions, caused a fumble, blocked a field goal, held on downs and gave up just one score.
Goetz recorded two interceptions, blocked a field goal, broke up two passes and recorded four solo tackles to lead the Bluffton defense. Greg Ditz also broke up two passes and recorded eight tackles to go with his interception.
Tyson Goings rushed for 150 yards on 33 carries, while Moore was 12 for 26 passing for 154 yards and a touchdown. Jovan Johnson caught four passes for 68 yards including a 20-yard touchdown grab in the first quarter.
Game Story
