Bellevue shuts out Sailors, 20-0

BELLEVUE — One could say that Bellevue didn't have much to play for in Week 10, with a playoff spot wrapped up already. With the underdog Vermillion Sailors visiting, Redmen coach Ed Nasonti let many of the underclassmen play. Bellevue's depth players and seniors played hungry in a gritty performance against a Sailors team playing for its playoff life. The Redmen won 20-0 and rose to 5-5, securing itself a likely home game in the playoffs next week. Vermillion (3-7) came into Bellevue knowing a win would propel it into the playoffs for the first time in over two decades. The Sailors can still make the playoffs pending final results from other teams in Division IV Region 14. Both teams struggled offensively in the first two quarters and the game was tied 0-0 at the half. The Redmen broke through in the third and found big plays several times throughout the second half to put the game to bed. Dylan Barger and Cooper Moyer broke off 69-yard and 52-yard touchdown receptions, respectively. Barger had three catches for 88 yards and one score, Moyer had five catches for 137 yards and a score of his own. Ashton Martin was one of the few starters who played all game. The senior quarterback got hot in the second half and finished 16 of 25 with 287 yards and two scores. The Redmen struggled on the ground against a Sailors defense playing aggressive in the box. Freshman Evan Bova led the way on the ground for the Redmen, compiling eight carries for 34 yards. Vermillion's defense played well, save for the big plays. The Sailors compiled four tackles for loss and a sack. The Redmen fumbled three times, including two fumbled snaps. It wasn't pretty for the Sailors offensively. The Redmen defense was rock solid and held Vermillion's offense to just 97 yards. Sailors quarterback Aaron Mathis has had an up-and-down season, and Friday night was one of the down games. The junior couldn't get anything going in the first half, completing no passes on six attempts. Mathis finished the game 5 for 16 with 34 yards and six yards on the ground. Things weren't any easier on the ground. The Sailors ran 19 times for 63 yards, a 3.3 yard per carry average. With the win, the Redmen, who currently sit in eight place in Division IV Region 14, could finish as high as the 5 seed. The Sailors' only hope is lots of losses ahead of them to sneak into the 16th seed in the region and end its long playoff drought. Bellevue 0 0 14 6 -- 20 Vermillion 0 0 0 0 -- 0 B: Dylan Barger 69 pass from Ashton Martin (2-pt failed) B: Aaron Mathis punt blocked, recovered in end zone (2-pt good) B: Coopey Moyer 52 pass from Martin (2-pt failed)