by Football is back! Multiple teams this year are hoping to start the year with a big statement. In Medina County, the in-county match-up between the Cloverleaf Colts and the Buckeye Bucks looked as if it was going to be a thriller like last year’s game. After last year’s heartbreaking loss at Buckeye, the Colts were ready to turn a new leaf and avenge last season’s loss. With a packed crowd at home and excitement in the air, Cloverleaf looked ready to crack skulls. The Bucks had other plans however as they steamrolled the Colts 34-0.
1st Half
The Colts first drive of the game started inside their own 15-yard line, but that did not stop them as Running Back’s Tristan Craddock and Clay Combs looked like an unbeatable duo. But the Bucks held their ground around midfield, the Colts were forced to punt. Zach Onorati put the bucks offense in a good field position with 35-yard return. Then, in just four plays the Bucks scored thanks to a 10-yard touchdown run by Running Back Troy Mccann.
Cloverleaf tried to respond, but fumbled on a fourth down try in their own territory. The Colts defense, despite being put in a bad position stood strong and forced the Bucks to try on 4th down which failed for Buckeye. It was now the Colts’ time to answer. However, currently the Bucks defense have already been understanding and predicting Cloverleafs running schemes. The Colts then got held to a 3 and out and punted.
Throughout the second quarter, the Bucks chewed up a lot of clock while scoring on three straight drives. The first drive was all run plays as it ended with a 2-yard touchdown run by Gage Nagy. The second drive looked identical to the first as they were about to score. But before the ball crossed the goal line, the ball was fumbled yet it was recovered by the Bucks. Making the score 21-0 Buckeye. On the third drive, the Colts almost produced a pick in the end zone, but the pass was dropped. The Buck’s were held to a field goal as the kick was made by Drayden Bonnet. With one half remaining and up 24-0, the Bucks looked to continue stepping on the gas pedal.
2nd Half
The Bucks would get the ball to start the second half as they continued to impose their will on the Colts defense. They scored on their opening half drive with Nagy running for a 9-yard touchdown. The next drive saw Bonnet kick a 28-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter. With a running clock in effect, the Bucks spent the rest of the game chewing up clock and continually shutting down the Cloverleaf offense. The game would officially end with a final score of 34-0 in Buckeye’s favor.
Player of the Game
The Buck’s run game was dominant. They amassed over 400 yards rushing, with Troy Mccann being responsible for 181 of them on only 18 carries. He had 4 carries for 20 plus yards while only being tackled behind the line of scrimmage twice. He also scored a touchdown early on in the game. Buckeye (1-0) will hope to start a winning streak early this season in hopes of defeating Steele (Amherst) on the road. While Cloverleaf (0-1) hopes to bounce back against Keystone as they travel there next week.
