Bowling Green took on their first MAIS District3-4A team of the season on Friday night when they visited Wayne Academy Jaguars in Waynesboro, Mississippi for their first game of district action. Upon the final buzzer, the Bucs' 30-20 victory brings their season to 4-2, and taking a 1-0 district standing.
The Buccaneers received the kickoff and started action on their own 31-yard line. On the opening drive, Senior Kelly Daniels ran for a touchdown but was called back for a Buccaneer holding penalty; however, a hard drive afforded the Bucs to a 3-0 lead with a 31-yard field goal from Sophomore Kicker Alex Brock. The Buccaneer defense held the Jaguars on the first drive forcing a punt from the Jags to the Buccaneer 29-yard line. A hard drive ended with a run by Junio Fullback, Bubby Bryant for a 9-0 lead, Brock's PAT was successful for a 10-0 first quarter score.
The resulting kickoff positioned the Jaguars on their own 35-yard line. After holding the Jaguars, the Buccaneer defense forced a turnover on downs and the Bucs regained their offensive drive. On the third possession, topped with a series of shady penalties, the Bucs were forced to punt. Strong defensive efforts forced a Jaguar punt with 3:37 left in the first half. On the fourth Buccaneer possession, Senior Gabe Jas pushed through adding the second touchdown for a 16-0 lead, the PAT was good for a 17-0 lead in the first half.
Coach Jason Johnson said, "We hit Kelly Daniels on some big passes early and they were forced to get out of the box. That opened up the running game for our great backs."
The Buccaneers kicked off for the third quarter in which Jaguars scored on a long pass and successful PAT, putting them on the scoreboard, 17 to 7. On the Buc's first possession of the second half, dominant Buccaneer rushing by Bubby Bryant, Gabe Jas, and Luke Hingle permitted a touchdown by Bubby Bryant. The PAT was unsuccessful, but Buccaneers increased their score to 23 -7. The next Jaguar drive was halted from key defensive coverage by Preston Jarrell and a quarterback sack by Maddox Magee forcing the Jaguars to punt. With the third quarter winding down, the Bucs pushed for a first down on fourth and succeeded with efforts of a quarterback toss from L J Jenkins to Bryant resulting with a first down run. Upon the initial start of the 4th quarter, Bucs fumbled resulting in a turnover. Zeke Buford's sack, and a hard tackle from J. P. Brumfield could not halt the Jaguars, touchdown, 23 to 13, but the two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful. On the last strong drive again by great rushing efforts; Bryant scored his third touchdown, PAT by Brock was successful for 30 to 13 score.
In the final Jaguar possession, a long pass by the Jaguars with 1: 54 remaining on the clock positioned the Jags for a touchdown, and PAT, 30-20. A failed onside kick allowed the Bucs to take over on the Jags 49-yard line, with a quick run by Rhett Schilling, and Bryant; the clock ran down and the Buccaneers brought home the victory.
Leader stats included Bubby Bryant with 168 yards and 3 TDs, Gabe Jas totaled 150 yards and 1 TD, Kelly Daniels rushed for 60 yards and 53 receiving, and Luke Hingle added 40 yards rushing, Alex Brock 3 PATs and 1 field goal. The Buc's defense was steered by Maddox Magee with 11 tackles, followed by J.P. Brumfield, and Dray Killingsworth. Both offensive and defensive units competed in a physical tough game.
Coach Johnson noted, "This was a really good road win for our team. I'm proud of our physicality in this game. We hit violently on defense and pushed them around our offensive front. Great effort and a great win for the Bucs!"
The Buccaneers will host Columbia Academy for a homecoming game in W.E. "Buck" Helen Stadium and second district action game on Friday, September 22 at 7:00pm.
