Mount Union Otterbein football
WESTERVILLE ― No. 2-ranked Mount Union earned its fourth shutout of the season in a 59-0 victory over Otterbein, setting up next week's showdown with John Carroll.
The Purple Raiders (8-0, 7-0 Ohio Athletic Conference) scored on six of their first eight possessions and Derrick Bradley returned an interception for a touchdown. Mount Union held Otterbein (2-6, 1-6) to 85 total yards, including minus-7 rushing.
Senior wide receiver Jaden Manley, a graduate of Bishop Hartley High School in Columbus, returned to his hometown and produced nine catches for 140 yards and three touchdown receptions. Manley's receptions and yards were a career-high, while his touchdown total tied a career-best.
Running back DeAndre Parker extended his streak of 100 yards rushing to five games with 105 on 16 carries and a touchdown, to go along with 87 yards receiving on six catches and a score.
Quarterback Braxton Plunk was 23-of-31 passing for 385 yards and five touchdowns. Wide receiver Orreon Finley and backup quarterback Noah Beaudrie added touchdowns.
Wayne Ruby Jr., the nation's leading receiver and scorer, did not play because an undisclosed reason.
Mason McMillen led Mount Union on defense with nine tackles, including 2.5 for loss, while Kaleb Detellum had six stops. Jesse Vail also intercepted a pass. The Purple Raiders, who have allowed just 30 points this season, had eight sacks for the game.
Mount Union is first in NCAA Division III football in total defense, allowing just 139.9 yards per game, second in scoring defense (4.3) and third in rushing defense (37.6).
This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Mount Union defeats Otterbein in OAC football
