1954 Bucks beat Abilene Eagles decisively

Historically Speaking

In both of the Breckenridge Buckaroos’ district games so far, they were able to distribute their scoring across all four quarters in a balanced attack across the entire game. Against the 4A Wichita Falls Coyotes, the Bucks scored 14, 14, 7 and 6 in each respective quarter, for 41 total points. Against the Brownwood Lions, the Bucks scored 14, 7, 14 and 7, respectively in each quarter, for 42 total points. Clyde Harris (RHB) was the leading scorer in the district with 27 points, which included three touchdowns and nine extra point conversions (PAT). Jake Sandefer was ranked fourth in scoring, with 24 points, from his four touchdowns.

Not only were the Bucks ranked number one in District 3A-1, but the Bucks were also recognized across West Texas. The next game on the Bucks’ schedule was against the 4A Abilene Eagles. That game was ranked “The Top West Texas Football Game of The Week.” The majority of sportswriters favored Abilene to win, citing the speed of the defensive line and plenty of reserves against the 21 or 22 boys from Breckenridge. The Eagles were predicted to win by at least six points. The Dallas Morning News ranked the Bucks number one in all of 3A teams in the state, even above Port Neches, by one point.

The Bucks had great team work and timing to out-maneuver and outman the acclaimed 4A Abilene Eagles. The Bucks startled and stunned fans and football followers of the sport state-wide. The Bucks’ deception again stymied the Eagles power but in the second half, fans saw the deception switch to the Bucks power and control.

At the half, the score remained tied, 7-7, with neither team able to get the upper hand. However, in the second half the Bucks took charge and stayed in command of the outcome of the game. In the first half, the Buckaroo offensive line was pushed back and got to the Bucks’ quarterback, Bennett Watts, before he could maneuver and demonstrate his deceptive moves on the Eagle defense.

In the second half, the offensive line held and did their own pushing back and took control and stopped the Eagles’ fast-moving line, cold. Their actions allowed Watts and the other backs to operate quickly and make yardage, which further irritated the Eagles defensive line.

Also, Dick Carpenter (FB) began to find holes to slice through the Eagle line for gains and made decisive yardage, no touchdown, but great rushing yardage gained that contributed to the outcome, which was a touchdown for the Bucks.

Additionally, Jerry Cramer (LT) gained recognition as a defensive “lone wolf” in the first half but was joined by the rest of the line to work together in the second half to hold the reportedly ‘quick-moving’ Eagles and as a result, stopped them cold and held. On the very first play of the second half, the Eagle quarterback fumbled the ball and Tommy Beasley (RE) recovered the pigskin for the Bucks on the Eagle 28. Watts quickly rattled off seven yards on an option play. Then, Sandefer took a pitchout and moved to his right and tossed a pass to Harris at the 7-yard-line. Harris shook off two Eagle defenders and went over for the Buck TD. Harris again made the extra point. The score was now 14-7.

On the next series, the Bucks scored again with the aid of a roughing penalty against the Eagles, which put the ball on the Eagles 7-yard-line. Carpenter got four yards and then Watts, aided by a hole made by W.L. Pevey (LT), for Watts to go in for the third TD. Harris made the PAT and the score was 21-7.

Early in the fourth quarter, the Bucks moved the pigskin for 62 yards, with Carpenter making most of the yardage. Then it was fourth down at the Eagle 5-yard-line. Watts sent a blistering pass to Beasley, who was in the Eagle end zone for the TD and then the extra point by Harris, for a score of 28-7.

Very soon after that, Sandefer intercepted an Eagle pass and jaunted 17 yards to the Bucks 49-yardline. From there, it took nine more plays to move the pigskin for short gains. Then, Harris got the call and lunged over right tackle from the one for another TD and extra point by Harris. Score now 35-7.

The Eagles made their second touchdown after that in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter and a failed extra point attempt. The final score was 35-13.

The Bucks had beaten the top 4A Abilene Eagles decisively. As a result, the Bucks began to gain statewide attention.

Jean Hayworth can be reached at news@breckenridgeamerican.com or at the B.A. offices, located at 114 E. Elm St.