Winless Patriots travel to Bluffton

Jay County Patriots

Portland, 0-4 (0-1)

Coach: Tim Millspaugh, eighth year

Conference: Allen County

Last week at Adams Central: Jay County allowed more than 300 rushing yards for the third time this season in a 48-7 loss in the conference opener. The Jets scored 28 points in the second quarter, and Jay County reached the end zone on a Sam Dunlavy touchdown?run in the fourth quarter for the Patriots’ second TD this season.

Season leaders: Passing — Sam Dunlavy – 6-of-26 for 87 yards and two interceptions. Rushing —Bailey Cox – 61 carries for 244 yards and one touchdown. Receiving — Sheldon Eley – two catches for 47 yards. Defense — Kess McBride – 29 tackles.



at



Bluffton Tigers

Bluffton, 3-1 (1-1)

Coach: Brent Kunkel, fourth year

Conference: Allen County

Last week vs. Woodlan: Cody Mittlestedt had four total touchdowns in leading Bluffton past the Woodlan Warriors, 45-21. He had 250 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries, caught a touchdown pass and returned a punt for a TD as well to go with an interception..

Season leaders: Passing — Hayden Nern – 24-of-46 for 320 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. Rushing — Cody Mittlestedt – 39 yards for 388 yards and three touchdowns. Receiving — Alec Reiff – 11 catches for 196 yards and one touchdown. Defense — Reece Johnson – 28 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack and one interception.



Last season: Jay County had a 19-14 lead at halftime slip away as Bluffton scored 29 straight points for a 43-19 victory. Rylee Huftel and Bailey Cox both had a touchdown for the Patriots, while?Bluffton quarterback Hayden Nern threw for nearly 300 yards.

Game notes: This is the ninth meeting all time between Jay County and Bluffton. The Patriots won the first five, but lost the last three, including a 63-62 loss in 2018 ... Bluffton is 3-1 after four games in consecutive seasons, marking the second time since 2012 when the squad started 4-0 ... Jay County is winless through four games in back-to-back years for the first time since doing so in 2000 and 2001 ... Bluffton has a 40.03 Sagarin rating, good for 31st in Class 2A and 184th overall. Jay County is rated 17.14, which is 56th in Class 4A and 267th overall ... John?Harrell predicts a 35-21 Bluffton victory, while CalPreps.com lists the Tigers as 39-point favorites (47-8).