Buckaroos’ streak stymied by Lions
The No. 6 Breckenridge Buckaroos’ winning streak was snapped Friday, Oct. 14 with a 2821 loss on the road to the Vernon Lions. Shutting out the Buckaroos in the first half, the Lions’ defense held the Buckaroos to its lowest total yardage of the season.
Neither team found the scoreboard in the first quarter. Buckaroos quarterback Chase Lehr threw an interception to the Lions’ Adarius Williams on the game’s first drive. The Lions’ first drive did not last long. Facing thirdand- 9 on the Buckaroos’ 46-yard line, Lions quarterback Kale Sherrill was intercepted at the Buckaroos’ 35-yard line. During the second quarter, the Lions’ offense picked up the pace. A 50-yard run by Jevon Fanner set up the game’s first touchdown. TJ Thomas scored the first of three rushing touchdowns with an 8-yard run early in the second quarter. Kale Sherrill gave the Lions a 14-0 lead at halftime with a 1-yard run with 3:38 remaining in the half.
Despite two third-quarter touchdowns by the Buckaroos (6-1, 1-1 district), the Lions (5-2, 2-0) never trailed during the game.
A 12-yard pass from Lehr to Alexis Franco helped to set up the Buckaroos’ first touchdown. Anson Rodgers finished the drive in the end zone for the Buckaroos at the 8:05 mark of the third quarter.
On the Lions’ following drive, the Buckaroos forced another turnover. Escalon forced a fumble on the Buckaroos’ 21-yard line. Lane Castillo recovered the loose ball and returned the fumble 28-yards, breaking multiple tackles in the process.
A 17-yard run by Rodgers was followed by a 21-yard pass from Lehr to Adrian Ruiz. The pass set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Rodgers with 39 seconds remaining in the third quarter. Sawyer Wimberley’s extra- point kicks on both touchdowns were good, tying the game at 14-14. The Lions took the lead for good with 10 minutes left in the game. Thomas scored his second touchdown of the game with a 47-yard run. Less than three minutes later, Thomas scored again on a 1-yard run for a 28-14 lead.
The Buckaroos fought back to make it a one-touchdown game with 6:41 remaining in the quarter. Dumping the ball off to Rodgers to avoid a sack, Rodgers took the ball 41 yards toward the left sideline and into the end zone for a touchdown. The Buckaroos were unable to get any closer.
Offensively, the Buckaroos compiled 153 yards of total offense, the lowest of the season. Their previous low was 311 yards during the Buckaroos’ Week Two win against Childress on Sept. 2.
Lehr finished the game with nine passing completions for 99 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Rodgers was the Buckaroos’ leading rusher with 10 carries for 58 yards and two touchdowns.
Alexis Franco led the Buckaroos’ defense with 19 tackles and one tackle for loss. Escalon, Rodgers and Caiden Marin each forced one fumble.
The Buckaroos will look to bounce back this Friday, Oct. 21 when the team hosts Jim Ned (43, 2-0). Kickoff at Buckaroo Stadium against the Indians is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The Indians currently sit on top of the District 3-3A Division I standings. After their win over the Buckaroos, the Lions are in second place based on the tiebreaker.
The Buckaroos and Iowa Park each have 1-1 records, with the Buckaroos holding the advantage based on their win over the Hawks. Clyde and Bowie each have 0-2 records for fifth and sixth place, respectively.
