Buckeye Beats North Olmsted in Physical Match

It was a dogfight of true proportions as the Buckeye Bucks (3-1) defeated the North Olmsted Eagles (0-4) 28-7. While the score tells one story, anybody who watched it will tell you a different one. Both defenses put up impressive showings. Making goal-line stands, game-changing sacks, and crucial turnovers. The question would then have to be which offense can break through? Buckeye would, as they garnered over 300 yards rushing on offense with running back Troy McCann going for 294 yards on 28 carries for 3 touchdowns. 

 1st Quarter

While a lot of games will start fast, this one did not. Both offenses struggled to find a consistent rhythm. The Eagle’s run game was getting stuffed while the Bucks could not execute on 3rd down. The Eagles defense would consistently penetrate the line of scrimmage to make sure McCann had to earn his yards. While the Bucks constantly rallied to the ball to prevent big plays down field. 

 2nd Quarter

Still 0-0, the Bucks realized they had a true fight on their hands. Driving into Eagle’s territory, McCann ran to the right side and took it 42 yards to the endzone. Not giving up however, the Eagle’s blocked the ensuing PAT. 

After another stalled Eagles drive the Bucks got the ball back. The Bucks immediately found themselves in Eagles territory. After being stopped on 4th and 1, the Bucks gambled and decided to go for it. The gamble did not pay off as linebacker Matt Chalkwater snuffed the play out and made the tackle. 

With momentum on their side, quarterback Tommy Horsfall found receiver Zayd Jaffal for a 32-yard gain to set the Eagles in the red zone. Hoping to find him again, Horsfall threw the ball in the end zone for Jaffal. The pass, however, was picked off by Buckeye cornerback Liam Phillips. Holding on tight to it as Jaffal tried to wrestle it away from him. 

 After the interception, the Bucks sought to capitalize on the turnover. With a little help from efficient passing by quarterback Turner Dolata and big plays by fullback Roman Krettler, the Bucks were on the goal line. But no matter how hard they tried; they could not break through the defensive wall known as North Olmsted. 

 3rd Quarter

Only down 6-0, North Olmsted knew they were still in this fight. Hoping to make a statement, they started airing the ball out. Only for it to be intercepted by Bucks linebacker Ryan Wilhelm. With this good field position, it looked like the Bucks would easily take advantage of this. They would be held to a 4th and 10 before Bucks Head Coach Greg Dennison decided to go for it. Using one of his favorite targets, Dolata threw it quick to tight end Trey Widenmeyer, who caught it one-handed and the rest of the 25 yards for a touchdown. McCann would then run it in for the 2-point conversion. 

The next couple of drives would be marked by brilliant defense and offensive inconsistency. As the Bucks would continue to bring pressure to Horsfall, forcing three and outs. While the Bucks would be their own worst enemies, committing multiple holding and false start calls that would kill drives. 

4th Quarter

Down 14-0, North Olmsted needed to score quickly. Jaffal found the open seam and made a 42-yard reception to put the Eagles near the goal line. Horsfall would then sneak it in for a 3-yard touchdown run. With the score now 14-7, it is still anybody’s game. 

 The next drive for the Buckeye might as well be called the “McCann drive.” As all but two of those plays, he was not given the ball. Down at the Eagles 3-yard line, Buckeye hoped not to repeat what happened last time they were here. After seeming to only gain 1-yard, tight Jacob Snyderburn and Wilhelm pushed McCann the extra yards to get in the end zone. 

Although down two scores the Eagles still had life. Thanks to the incredible scrambling ability of Horsfall, the Eagles found themselves in Bucks territory. This momentum would sadly not last. As Horsfall was trying to throw it out of bounds after being pressured by defensive tackle Landon Porec, Brayden Sopko caught the ball and toe-tapped in bounds to secure the pick. 

Hoping to seal the deal, McCann would take it to the end zone once again for a 77-yard touchdown. Securing the victory for the Buckeye Bucks as they travel back home to take on the Bay Rockets (2-2). While North Olmsted hopes to get their first victory of the season as they travel to Normandy (2-2) next week. 

 Player of the Game

Troy McCann ran for 294 on 28 carries for 3 touchdowns. Averaging 10.5 yards per carry.