by The Amherst Steele Comets came into Buckeye’s home field and stunned the Bucks 42-21. While it struggled in the first half, the Comets offense used a mix of big plays and long drives to shift momentum. Quarterback Cole Norris went 12/23 for 132 yards and 2 touchdowns. Though it was his legs that kept the game away from Buckeye. As he ran for 163 yards on 11 carries for 3 touchdowns. While only scoring 21 points, the Bucks still ran the ball well. Running Back Troy McCann rushed for 224 yards on 20 carries with 2 touchdowns. The x-factor that kept the Bucks out of the game, however, was turnovers. Having two in the first half and one later in the third quarter.
1st Quarter
The Comets started off with a bang, taking the opening kickoff into Bucks territory. The Bucks defense responded to the challenge and managed to force the Comets to punt. The Bucks offense, however, had to start on the 1-yard line, in which they also punted after being held. No big plays were made until Buckeye’s second offensive drive, where Comet’s defensive back Tyler Denn intercepted the ball and took into Buckeye territory. The Bucks, however, would force the Comets to go for it on fourth down and fail to convert. Sadly, the next Bucks drive would also end in an interception. This time by Comets defensive back Jeffery Reichert.
2nd Quarter
With almost no rest between drives, the Bucks defense folded. Norris found a receiver in the end zone for a 21-yard touchdown. Buckeye would respond, as Troy was fed the ball numerous times. Down at Amherst’s 4-yard line, McCann dived for the endzone but fumbled before he crossed the goal line. His teammate, tight end Trey Widenmeyer recovered the ball in the end zone for the score.
The Bucks continued to build on this momentum. After stopping the Comets again, McCann would take it 59 yards to the house to go up 14-7. The Comets knew they had to respond. With a drive that took over three minutes, the Comets took their time to drive down the field. It ended with Norris throwing a 12-yard touchdown to tie the game 14-14.
3rd Quarter
In the second half, the Comets had made their adjustments and decided to double down on their run game. Though not effective in the first half, big plays by running back JR Bries had them in Buckeye territory quick. Bries finished with a 24-yard touchdown run to take the lead. The rest of the quarter would be a stalemate. Neither team getting close to scoring with both defenses making great stands in their own territory.
Up 21-14, the Comets knew they had to ice the game before Buckeye could think of something. Though their drive early in the 4th was stopped, they saw an opportunity as Buckeye muffed a punt with the Comets recovering deep in Bucks territory. They drove down with ease as Norris snuck in for a 3-yard touchdown run.
4th Quarter
Now down 2 scores, the Bucks went back to their bread and butter and fed McCann the entire drive. Taking them all the way from their 42-yard line to the Comets 2-yard line in under 2 minutes. This is where McCann finished it off with a 2-yard touchdown run.
The Bucks defense, knowing what was at stake made a stand. They held the Comets to a 4th and 1 the next drive. But after thinking it would be a QB sneak up the middle, Norris ran outside and scored for a 56-yard touchdown. The Bucks offense tried to respond but fell short of a 4th down conversion by one yard. Three plays later, Norris would keep the ball again and score on a 44-yard touchdown run. With time nearly running out, the Bucks could not finish the last drive as Amherst finished the game with a sack.
Player of the Game
Amherst Comets Quarterback Cole Norris went 12/23 for 132 yards, throwing for 2 touchdowns. He also ran for 163 yards on only 11 carries for 3 touchdowns.
