In the MAIS Class 4A Championship game last Friday, the Bowling Green Buccaneers fell short against TriCounty Academy of Flora, Mississippi, losing 26-13.
It was a tough defeat, especially in a championship game. However, making it to the final game itself was historic and a significant accomplishment for Bowling Green. The team ended the season with an overall 9-4 record, MAIS District 4A Champs 4-0, and MAIS Class 4A State Runner-Ups.
The Bowling Green Buccaneers received the opening kickoff. After 5 rushing attempts by Bubby Bryant, Gabe Jas, and Kelly Daniels, the Bucs were forced to punt. A 36-yard punt by Dray Killingsworth started the first Rebel drive at the TCA 20. After the Buccaneer defense held the Rebels for a 2:03 minute drive, they were forced to punt.
An intense drive on the second field possession put the Buccaneers on the scoreboard with a touchdown from Bubby Bryant, and a successful PAT by Alex Brock for the opening score of 7-0. The Buccaneer kickoff landed the next Rebel drive to start at the TCA 28. The first quarter ended as TCA continued to drive against the Buccaneers into the second quarter, which ended in a TCA touchdown at 9:32 in the second quarter, the PAT failed, score 7-6.
The Bucs' second quarter drive started at the BGS 35-yard line. After an intense battle, the Bucs were forced to punt. TCA pushed hard, but again the battle held tight with leading defensive efforts by Brody Estave, Maddox Magee, and Dray Killingsworth, TCA was forced to punt, and the Bucs' next drive started at the BGS 25 with the clock at 4:35.
Larkin Jenkins' pass was intercepted and returned to the BGS 28 and ultimately notched the next touchdown by TCA for a 7-12 score; the two-point conversion failed. The TCA defense held the Bucs on the next drive forcing a punt to the TCA20 with game clock 00:57 until the half. The halftime score remained 7-12.
The Buccaneers entered the second half on the defensive side. The kickoff returned by TCA started their third quarter initial drive at the TCA 38. The TCA team dominated the time clock and field and at 7:38, scored again, with a failed two-point conversion, for a score of 7-18.
Trey Champagne signaled a fair catch on the kickoff and BGS started their third quarter drive at the BGS 35. A 38-yard rush by Kelly Daniels edged the Bucs to the TCA 31. Alternating rushes by Bubby Bryant and Gabe Jas led to a touchdown by Gabe Jas. The two-point conversion failed, score 13-18, clock 4:49.
The Buccaneer kickoff was downed at the TCA 33, and TCA pounded with a hard drive that steered into the 4th quarter. With TCA on the BGS 27, Buccaneer Cayden Scholgel intercepted a TCA pass for a touchback, clock 11:45. On the first pass attempt Jenkins’ pass was intercepted. TCA rushed and consumed the game clock ending in another touchdown 13-24, two-point conversion good, score 13-26. The Buccaneers' next drive could not bridge the score gap. BGS was forced to punt, and TCA consumed the 5:17 remaining of the game clock.
Buccaneer offense was led by Quarterback Larkin Jenkins, with leading rushers Kelly Daniels, Gabe Jas, Bubby Bryant, receiver Zeke Buford. Great efforts were given by the offensive linemen. Leading BGS in defensive tackles were Dray Killingsworth, Luke Hingle, Camrin Seal, Jesse Gaines, J.P. Brumfield, Maddox Magee, Brody Estave, and Trey Champagne.
The entire team and coaching staff of Bowling Green proved to execute a season of successful Buccaneer football. This was assuredly a season to be remembered for years. Congratulations on a successful season.
Defensive Coordinator Dean King stated, "I was immensely proud the way our guys played defensively against an exceptionally good offensive team. This group has had a great season!"
First year Buccaneer Head Coach Jason Johnson commented, "I'm so proud of our guys and their efforts this entire season. They bought into our philosophy and the culture of football is truly amazing here at BG. We will be back next season and completing at the same high level. We fell short in the championship game but fought hard for four quarters and held TriCounty to their lowest point total of the season and scored more on them than any other MAIS school. Tri County is the standard in 4A MAIS football; we are closing the gap on them."
He added, “Our Seniors will be missed. They accomplished the first district championship in years, won two playoff games, and made it to the state championship game. Dray Killingsworth and Gabe Jas will represent our school and parish in the MAIS all star game on December 1 at Jackson Prep. I want to personally thank everyone in our school and parish that did anything to help our football program this season. We are truly a family at BG, and we all work together for the greater good of our children. Go BUCS!!!!"
2024 Seniors battling for the Buccaneer team were: Kelly Daniels, Cayden Scholgel, Landyn Powell, Luke Hingle, Gabe Jas, Dray Killingworth, Larkin Jenkins, Jayce Miller, Sam Blanchard, Shanler Butts, Cael McDaniel, Kaden Rome, and Cody Comeaux.
Returning starter Buccaneers for the 24-25 seasons will be a strong defensive back and quarterback Maddox Magee, offensive linebacker Camrin Seal, a leading fullback for rushing yards this season Bubby Bryant, guard Brody Estave, defensive tackle Bryce Graham, wide receivers Zeke Buford, Preston Jarrell, and Russell Wilson, cornerback Trey Champagne, guard J.P. Brumfield, center Leroy Bruce, and special teams kicker Alex Brock.
Although this game at Jackson Academy Stadium, in Jackson, Mississippi did not end in a Buccaneer title, the experience gained, and the valuable journey taken exhibited all the aspects of sportsmanship, commitment, and teamwork. Congratulations Buccaneers, MAIS Class 4A Runner-ups!!!!
