The Bowling Green Buccaneers hit the road Friday night for their second game of the season, traveling to Clinton to face the Silliman Institute Wildcats. It proved to be a tough and physical matchup, with the Wildcats controlling the game early and handing Bowling Green a 38-7 defeat, dropping the Buccaneers to 0-2.
"It was a tough night, but our players showed a lot of fight," Head Coach Dean King said. "We have a young group. I told the guys when we put it all together, we're going to be a solid team. I have confidence in this group."
Silliman won the toss and deferred, giving the Buccaneers the ball first. Nerves were evident as Bowling Green's offense was flagged for five straight penalties, pushing the Bucs all the way back to their own nine-yard line before punting. The Wildcats took over and powered downfield for the game's first touchdown, adding the two-point conversion for an 8-0 lead.
On Bowling Green's second possession, runs from Ryn Rivernbark, Nathan Pylant, and Jessie Gaines moved the chains, but confusion over double penalties disrupted the drive. What appeared to be a fourth down and punt situation turned into a Buccaneer first down, but the possession ended with an interception returned for a touchdown. Another conversion stretched the Wildcat lead to 16-0.
The Buccaneers' third possession, led by quarterback Kerston Diddon, failed to find rhythm and ended with another punt. The defense responded, however, as senior Trent Penton came up with an interception to halt a Wildcat drive. But the Bucs' offense again stalled, unable to convert the takeaway into points.
Silliman's fourth drive produced another touchdown, extending the lead to 24-0, and their defense forced Bowling Green to punt once more. A long Wildcat pass play put Silliman back in the end zone before halftime, sending the Bucs to the locker room trailing 30-0.
The Wildcats struck again early in the second half, building a 38-0 advantage, but Bowling Green continued to fight. Sophomore Noah Wall recovered a Silliman fumble, giving the Buccaneers a much-needed spark. That turnover set up the team's best drive of the night, capped by Nick Schilling powering across the goal line for a touchdown run. Alex Brock's extra point was good, bringing the score to 38-7 - where it would stay until the final whistle.
The Buccaneers now turn their focus to their home opener. Bowling Green will host Oak Forest Academy from Amite at W.E. Buck Hellen Stadium on Friday, September 5, with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. Fans are encouraged to fill the stands in green and gold and support the Buccaneers, cheerleaders, and spirit groups.
