Buckaroos make playoffs with win in Bowie

The Buckaroos are heading to the playoffs. While snapping a twogame losing streak Friday, Oct. 28, in Bowie, the Buckaroos secured their place with a 33-0 shutout victory over the Jackrabbits to improve to 7-2 overall and 2-2 in the district.

Like several games across the northern parts of Texas, the Buckaroos and Jackrabbits faced colder temperatures and rainy conditions while looking for a turnaround in district play. The Buckaroos looked to take advantage of their ground game to seek their first win since Friday, Oct. 7.

Four different Buckaroos earned rushing touchdowns as the team combined for a season- high total of 325 rushing yards and a season-low 26 passing yards, including a 32yard touchdown reception by Alexis Franco. Anson Rodgers and Sawyer Wimberley combined for 14 carries and 229 rushing yards. Large gains from both runners propelled the rushing game.

Neither team could move the ball efficiently on their first offensive drives of the game. The Buckaroos opened the game with possession and were forced to punt. It was the Buckaroos’ special teams unit that helped to set up the first score of the game.

Rodgers gained 30 yards on his first punt return of the game to the Jackrabbits’ 45-yard line. Wimberley did the rest on the first play of the Buckaroos’ second offensive drive with a 45yard touchdown run. He followed up with the PAT kick for a 7-0 lead near the midway point of the quarter.

After forcing the Jackrabbits to punt for the second consecutive defensive series, the Buckaroos did not waste time increasing their lead to 14 points. Capping a five-play, 73-yard drive was the 32-yard touchdown pass from Camden Escalon to Alexis Franco.

Following the third punt in the first quarter for the Jackrabbits, Rodgers broke free for a 47-yard touchdown run on the Buckaroos’ first offensive play of their third possession. Wimberley’s PAT kick was no good, leaving the score at 20-0 with four seconds remaining in the first quarter.

Rodgers followed with a 63-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. The extra-point kick was blocked, resulting in a 26-0 halftime lead for the Buckaroos.

The Buckaroos’ offense slowed in the third quarter as the Jackrabbits’ defense picked up the pressure. Both Buckaroos’ offensive possessions in the third quarter ended in turnovers. First with an interception and second on a failed fourth-down conversion.

A penalty on a late fourth-quarter punt set up the game’s final touchdown. The Buckaroos started their drive on the Jackrabbits’ 19yard line following a penalty on a punt return. Alejandro Franco did the rest with a 19-yard touchdown run with 3:54 left in the game.

For as dominant as the Buckaroos’ ground game was on offense, the defense played just as strong. The Buckaroos’ defense allowed a season-low of nine yards rushing on 34 carries. The defense also caused a season-high four fumbles while causing a season-high 15 tackles for loss. The Buckaroos matched a season-high with three takeaways. Adrian Ruiz and Alexis Franco each recorded interceptions and Isaiah Lehr had one fumble recovery. Seven different Buckaroos recorded sacks, led by three from Hunter Eaton. Bryson Herring and Adler Loftis each had two sacks. Jerry Lawson, Marco Jaramillo, Tim Newell and Lehr each had one sack. Adler finished the game with a team-high six tackles for loss.

Following the Buckaroos’ win, Jim Ned, Iowa Park and the Buckaroos have each earned playoff spots. This is the Buckaroos’ second trip to the playoffs in three years under coach Casey Pearce. Vernon currently sits in fourth place at 2-2. The Lions and Jackrabbits will meet Friday in Vernon with the winner earning the fourth playoff spot. Clyde, at 0-4 is eliminated from playoff contention. With a win Friday at Iowa Park, the Jim Ned Indians can secure the district championship.

The Buckaroos will close the district schedule at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4 at home against Clyde.