{"id":40759,"date":"2026-10-03T18:10:07","date_gmt":"2026-10-03T22:10:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/?p=40759"},"modified":"2026-10-03T18:10:08","modified_gmt":"2026-10-03T22:10:08","slug":"bluffton-defense-stymies-heritage-in-shutout-win","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/2026\/10\/03\/bluffton-defense-stymies-heritage-in-shutout-win\/","title":{"rendered":"Bluffton defense stymies Heritage in shutout win"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Three turnovers created and some overall outstanding defense by the undefeated Bluffton Tigers were enough to shut out Heritage and move to 7-0 on the season, one step closer to the outright ACAC title. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Lucas Taylor and the Heritage Patriots had trouble gaining yards against Bluffton all night Friday. (Photo by Patrick Gunsett)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A short field goal in the second quarter was followed by a one-yard run by Cooper Craig and Bluffton led 10-0 at halftime. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rex Brewer and Derek Trobeck wrap up the game for the Z Team.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Proud to sponsor Heritage Athletics on WZBD.com!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Patriots were driving near the end of the first quarter and looking to take the lead, but a fumble stopped their momentum. Heritage then turned the ball over again to set up the Craig touchdown. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Heritage center Elan Minich prepares to snap the ball against the Bluffton defense. (Photo by Patrick Gunsett)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Heritage had just 22 yards passing as they relied heavily on Jax Litchfield to pick up yardage when they needed it most. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Bryson Berg tries to keep an eye on the Bluffton backfield Friday. (Photo by Patrick Gunsett)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Litchfield had 116 of the team’s 146 yards of offense. Jax also had a sack on defense. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heritage will host Southern Wells in Week 8, while Bluffton will face their biggest challenge of the year so far at Adams Central. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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