Bluffton remained undefeated on the season, improving its record to 4-0 (1-0 NWC) after defeating Allen East 35-13 at Harmon Field on Friday night. The game, a battle of Northwest Conference teams, saw a flurry of action in its opening four minutes, setting the tone for the Pirates' victory.
Bluffton’s Lleyton Miller initiated the scoring just 12 seconds into the contest, returning the opening kickoff 78 yards for a touchdown. Miller stated he “saw that big hole, and I knew I was going to the end zone.” On the subsequent kickoff, Allen East’s Ethan Hershberger nearly mirrored Miller's effort, returning the ball deep into Bluffton territory to the 16-yard line. However, the Mustangs’ promising drive stalled due to penalties, culminating in quarterback Keagan Jones being intercepted by Bluffton’s Tayte Giesige on 4th and 11 from the 17-yard line.
Allen East coach Shane Wireman acknowledged the impact of early mistakes, noting that the team needed to “clean up those penalties, especially on the road.” Wireman added that the Mustangs “didn’t execute well tonight” and did not play to their full capability, while crediting Bluffton for making play difficult.
Following the turnover, Bluffton quickly capitalized. Just three plays later, Giesige connected with Lleyton Miller for a 61-yard touchdown pass. Bluffton coach Jeff Richards commented that the team was motivated, calling it “the best week of practice we’ve had all season,” especially with the conference schedule starting against a 3-0 Allen East.
Pirates quarterback Tayte Giesige completed 10 of 14 passes for 110 yards and one touchdown, also adding 29 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground. Giesige's touchdown pass marked his 61st career passing touchdown, surpassing his quarterback coach Mitchell Ault for Bluffton’s all-time career record.
Running back Parker Lovell was a significant force for Bluffton, carrying the ball 19 times for 123 yards and scoring two rushing touchdowns of 3 and 48 yards. These scores were Lovell’s 11th and 12th rushing touchdowns of the season. Lovell credited the offensive line, stating, “They’re starting to get it, and they’re opening up holes for me.” Giesige also scored on a 3-yard run in the third quarter after Blayne Hill returned a punt to the 5-yard line.
Allen East (3-1, 0-1 NWC) found offensive production primarily from its run game. Miles McDorman led the Mustangs with 107 yards on 16 carries, scoring two touchdowns of 14 and 3 yards. Quarterback Keagan Jones contributed 98 yards through the air and 44 yards on the ground. The Mustangs' first score came in the second quarter with McDorman’s 14-yard run. Their second score was McDorman's 3-yard run in the fourth quarter.
Bluffton finished the night with 271 total yards of offense, while Allen East recorded 263 total yards.
Looking ahead, Allen East will return home next week to host LCC, which won 13-6 over Columbus Grove. Bluffton will face Jefferson, which was unbeaten heading into a Saturday night matchup with Fort Loramie.
