By Eric Sieger
Alma SID

Heading into the final season of the 1900s, the Bluffton Beavers knew that they were on the cusp of a special season. With 29 letterwinners and 15 starters back from a 5-5 team that took Wabash to overtime, their 3-0 start in 1999 has surprised everyone except those within the program.

Junior running back Tyson Goings attributes the quick start to a renewed commitment to the team concept. "Everyone's playing their role and coming up with big plays. The coaching staff is more focused, giving us a winning attitude and we're carrying it onto the field." Head coach Carlin Carpenter also sees the leadership factor as a big reason why Bluffton is out to its best start since 1988. "We voted good captains and have natural leaders on both sides of the ball."

Strong safety and senior Jarret Smotrila (Leetonia) also points to the offseason commitment by the team. "Our lifting got better -- we were really dedicated. Plus, we have lots of veterans that have been there before. That has a lot to do with our success."

But the biggest tests yet await the Beavers, as they begin conference play this weekend. Bluffton was tagged to finish fifth in the preseason Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference poll, with Hanover, Wabash and Franklin picked ahead of them. But the Beavers are optimistic about their chances in the HCAC season. "If we stay healthy and keep our positive attitude and stay focused," said Goings, "We feel like we have a good shot."

Smotrila knows that the team must stay focuses and disciplined. "Starting with a win helped, and now we're 3-0 and everyone is sky-high, increasing the enthusiasm." Carpenter knows that the Hanover and Wabash contests large loom on the horizon for the Beavers. "If we expect to have a chance, we have to play well against Hanover and Wabash."

Those two schools have combined to win eight of the last ten league crowns, with former member DePauw and Anderson accounting for the other two titles. The Beaver head man is optimistic about his team's chances, however. "We've made a commitment to do things that will help us to win." Carpenter also points to the Beavers' improved conditioning. "Our weight program definitely is improved, and we came back in shape. We've played some bigger teams, but our conditioning and attitude turned those games around."

Some around the Heartland scoff at the Beavers championship hopes, but Carpenter and his squad have playoff hopes dancing through their heads. Their expectation? "To win the conference. We took Wabash to overtime last year. We can compete -- it's not an understatement to have that goal."

More from around the Heartland:

Hanover served notice that it might be the team to beat with its win against Washington & Jefferson on Saturday. The Panthers rely on senior wingback Tarrik Wilson, who has tallied 24 receptions for 369 yards and two scores. Off to a 3-0 start for the third straight season, the Panthers' high-octane attack is averaging 430 yards per game with junior quarterback Eric Bruns already nearing the 1,000-yard mark with 939 yards on 66 of 102 passing with seven TDs against three interceptions.

Defensively, Hanover is allowing just 78 yards rushing a contest and leans on its veteran defensive line, paced by junior nose guard Jason Welty, who has posted five sacks in 1999. Junior defensive back Josh Bowman has three picks, returning one for a score. The Panthers enter Saturday's contest at Bluffton ranked 21st in the latest AFCA poll.

Of course, no one can count out defending champion Wabash. The Little Giants have a rookie quarterback in freshman Jake Knott. Although he was a bit shaky in tough early season losses to Ohio Northern and Washington U., he picked apart Mount St. Joseph's defense for 368 yards and four scores in last week's win. Senior wideout Jay Dee Flynn was his favorite target, hauling in 14 balls for 162 yards and two touchdowns. Senior Drew Walters leads a trio of backs that average over four yards a carry. He had a career day against MSJ with 24 carries for 128 yards. Defensively the Little Giants look to junior nose tackle B.J Hammer, who has nailed down three sacks, nine tackles for losses and 15 tackles.

Franklin's offense proved in its 46-38 loss to Alma last week that its quick-strike capabilities will be a force in HCAC play. Senior quarterback Travis McMahen has two capable targets in seniors Jim Larkin and Mike Manford. The Grizzlies will need to find some semblance of a running attack and must shore up holes in the secondary that Alma exposed to the tune of 569 yards if they are to be competitive.

Wilmington surprised some within the region with its relatively easy win against Adrian, and could be a sleeper team in the Heartland. Pencil in Wilmington, Mount St. Joseph and Anderson to round out the league standings.<