In an impressive performance, the Bowling Green Buccaneers secured a dominant victory in the quarterfinals of the MAIS Class 4A football playoffs by defeating the Wayne Academy Jaguars with a commanding score of 47-7. This resounding win earned them a spot in the semi-finals, and they will be playing against the Winston Academy Patriots of Louisville, Mississippi, in a home game this week. The home-field advantage will be a significant boost for the Buccaneers, and fans are eagerly awaiting the exciting match as Bowling Green continues their journey in pursuit of a championship.
Senior Buccaneer team members represented the Bucs as team captains and won the opening toss. The Bucs elected to receive, and Gabe Jas capitalized on this first possession by scoring on a run, for 6-0 initial score. Alex Brock added a successful PAT for a 7-0 score with the game clock at 9:38.
As Wayne attempted to retaliate, strong efforts by the BG defense allowed the Bucs to regain possession of the ball with an interception from Landyn Powell. After a Kelly Daniels' score was called back for a penalty, the Bucs kept the momentum in their favor and Bubby Bryant drove in for a 13-0 lead and Brock's PAT increased the score to 14-0.
Wayne failed to make any positive ground on their second possession, as Camrin Seal recovered a Jaguar fumble that resulted in a Kelly Daniels' successful touchdown run, 20-0, PAT failed, the score widened to 20-0 at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter interception by Wayne Academy allowed the only Jaguar score of the game with a touchdown and successful PAT, 20-7.
The next Buccaneer possession landed a touchdown from a Kelly Daniels' drive, the attempt for a two-point conversion failed, and the margin of victory increased 26-7.
The defense and a sack by Maddox Magee forced a fake punt from Wayne and allowed the Bucs to take over on downs at their own 48-yard line. L J Jenkins completed a 30-yard pass to Kelly Daniels for another touchdown, Gabe Jas carried in the two-point conversion for a 34-7 score. Wayne Academy's failed field goal ended the first half with the Buccaneers holding the lead, 34-7.
Third quarter results showcased skillful running as Bubby Bryant scored another touchdown, the two-point conversion failed, for a 40-7 score. A defensive fumble recovery by Dray Killingsworth halted the next Jaguar drive into the fourth quarter. Bucs took over on their 44-yard line and Gabe Jas contributed a touchdown, Brock booted a successful PAT, for a 47-7 final score.
Leading rushing for the Buccaneers was Gabe Jas with 11 carries for 208 yards, and 2 touchdowns; Bubby Bryant with 21 carries for 99 yards, and 2 touchdowns, Kelly Daniels 6 for 60 yards with 30 yards received from passing for a total of 3 touchdowns, Zeke Buford 21 yards passing, and Luke Hingle 8 yards passing. Quarterback L J Jenkins executed a team offense with over 463 total yards. Leading defenders were Maddox Magee, Camrin Seal, JP Brumfield, Dray Killingsworth, and Landon Powell. The total Buccaneer offense, defense, and special teams worked collectively to nail this victory.
Coach Jason Johnson stated after the game Saturday morning, "Proud of our guys and their effort last night. We have earned the right to play in the semi-finals. Just a total effort last night. Makes me proud to see our kids play so humble and selfless. We are healthy and look so forward to representing Bowling Green and the entire parish!"
Kickoff for the semi-final game will be Friday, November 10 at 7:00 pm in the W.E. Buck Hellen Stadium. Admission is $10 per person. BUC passes for students are not valid. Season tailgating PARKING passes are valid, but all must pay the entry fee.
Tickets for the Winston Academy semi-final game can be purchased in the school office starting Wednesday through noon on Friday.
Gabe Jas stays ahead of a Wayne defender as he heads downfield.
PHOTO BY COURTNEY SCHILLING
