by MEDINA, Ohio – The Buckeye Bucks defeated the North Olmsted Eagles 23-0. Despite a slow start, they picked up momentum and scored 20 points in the second half to shut out the Eagles.
The Bucks came into the game 3-0 on the season, ready to defend their home field, but were stunned by the Eagles’ strong defensive line and couldn’t seem to break through in the first half of play. Both teams started slow and couldn’t manage to get any offense going through the first half of the game. The only score came on Buckeye’s opening drive, where they converted on a 33-yard field goal on a solid kick by Brayden Bonnett, taking the early lead 3-0.
Buckeye had a strong drive to open the second quarter, with three first downs, but the Eagles forced a fumble and gained possession. However, they wouldn’t be able to convert on any drives, and neither team scored the remainder of the first half, going into halftime 3-0 in favor of Buckeye.
The Bucks’ highlight player of the first half was running back Liam Philips, who rushed for 51 yards. The Eagles’ standout first half player was quarterback Will McPherson, who threw for 83 yards and completed 7-11 passes with one interception.
Opening the second half, energized by the home crowd and band, the Bucks achieved two first downs and scored their first touchdown of the game, a 33-yard bomb from quarterback Turner Dolata to senior tight end Derek Snyderburn for his first catch and score of the evening, extending the Buckeye lead to 10-0.
The Bucks’ first drive of the fourth quarter resulted in another touchdown by Snyderburn off a 26-yard pass. However, the Eagles shut down the extra point attempt, leaving the score 16-0.
The Eagles retained possession and were hoping to make something happen. Unfortunately, Will McPherson couldn’t find the gap in the Bucks’ defense and threw his second interception of the game, which was caught by Buckeye defensive back Logan Letner.
After a penalty on the Eagles, giving the Bucks a 15-yard gain, senior running back Roman Krettler carried the ball for 6 yards and a touchdown on the goal-line for the Bucks’ final score of the night. The Bucks converted on the extra point and made the score 23-0.
Though it was a solid all around effort by the Bucks tonight, their standout player was quarterback Turner Dolata, who connected on 8/16 passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns. Some other notable Bucks included 6’4 tight end Derek Snyderburn, who scored two touchdowns tonight for a total of 59 yards.
Junior running back Liam Philips had himself quite a night as well, carrying the ball for 61 yards. Additionally, sophomore receiver Nick Prouza had 49 yards on 4 catches, including an impressive 27-yard first down.
For the Eagles, their best player of the night was also their quarterback, Will McPherson. He completed 10 of his 17 passes for a total of 96 yards. Receiver Lawrence Stanley also had 51 yards, including an impressive 42-yard catch from McPherson and a first down in the second quarter after the Eagles forced a Buckeye fumble.
Buckeye Bucks (4-0) remain undefeated in their strong start to the season, and will look to snag their 5th win of the year against the at the Bay Rockets next week. North Olmsted Eagles (0-4) look to bounce back next week against the Normandy Invaders.
That wraps up week four of Friday Night Lights here in Northeast, Ohio! The Buckeye Bucks have definitely proven they are a force to be reckoned with. We’ll definitely have to keep an eye on them throughout the rest of the season!
We’ll catch you next week in Berea, as the Titans will play their homecoming game and hope to catch a win against the Midview Middies, who just fell to the Avon Lake Shoremen in their first loss of the year.
