Football
Photo courtesy of Joe Prax
Buccaneer Football Quarter Final State Playoffs vs. Redington Huskies
Contributed by Coach Lee Chadwick – The Buccaneers played in the opening round of the state Division III football playoffs this weekend, hosting the Redington Huskies.
Photo courtesy of Tina Howard
On the opening kickoff of the day, the Buccaneers allowed a touchdown return that set them back a quick six points. However, the Bucs responded with a powerful sustained drive to score and tie the game up. The ensuing PAT, however, was blocked.
Subsequent drives for the Bucs, however, were marred by multiple penalties and changed the momentum of the game. The Bucs had difficulty stopping the Husky running attack with consistency, and ultimately the Bucs lost by a score of 19-46.
Seniors
This was the last game for several Buccaneer senior athletes, including Logan Anderson, Hayden Howard, Clay Woodgate, Gaspar DeLeon, Monroe Smith, Wyatt Mehlberg, and Aiden McAtee. Their combined effort and years of experience will be greatly missed in the coming year. They have represented this community and school well and we have benefitted from their leadership. They will certainly be missed in the years to come.
Hayden Howard scoring a touchdown, Photo courtesy of Joe Prax
On behalf of the Buccaneer football program, we would like to thank all those who serve in so many ways to facilitate these young men in their endeavors, including parents, volunteers, staff, community emergency and health care services, and the board and administration. Whether your part has been large or small, it really does take it all to make things work, and this work is truly worth doing. Thank you.
Hayden Howard, Photo courtesy of Tina Howard
Cross Country
Cross Country State Championships
October 10, 2020
Contributed by Coach Melissa Koontz – Cross Country State Championships took place in Anchorage this weekend. The course was moved to Kincaid to support COVID mitigation plans. Along with the venue move, state qualifications were also changed. Instead of the top 15 Division II runners qualifying for state, it was cut to the top 10 runners. This change was devastating and our teammates Smilie, Wadsworth, and Caruthers were missed. Junior William Benes and Freshman Anika Palomar represented Valdez at the State Championships.
Anchorage greeted Benes and Palomar with perfect conditions for a race. Benes and Palomar were unfamiliar with the course which caused some nervousness. The course was also one long loop, which made it difficult for them to gauge their location on the course. There were limited spectators, especially on the back part of the course.
The boys started first and ran in waves one minute apart. Benes began his second visit to state in the back and slowly, moved his way up to 27th. His progress was hindered by a moose and his shoe coming untied. Benes finished strong in 20:23. Benes’s hard work and determination earned him another run at state.
Palomar overcame a season riddled with injuries to run at state, what an honor for this Freshman. She stayed strong and battled the hills for a finish at 25:10, a six minute improvement from the beginning of the season. We look forward to seeing more from this young athlete.
J.V. Volleyball
Lady Grizzly Invitational
October 9-10
Contributed by Coach Katie Burns – The Lady Buccaneers JV Volleyball team participated in the four-team tournament at Grace Christian School this past weekend.
The Lady Bucs were one of four junior varsity teams competing in this past weekend’s quick tournament in Anchorage, accompanied by the Glennallen Panthers, ACS Lions, and the hometeam Grizzlies. Valdez played each team a total of two sets on both Friday and Saturday. On Friday the Bucs came off the bus cold and lost to Glennallen in their first pool play game (11-25), but won the next four sets against ACS (25-18), Grace (25-18), Glennallen (25-22) and ACS (25-12). The evening ended with a near loss to Grace (23-25). These sets seated each team for the bracket on Saturday.
The next day the Bucs were seated #2 in the bracket and faced the Grace Grizzlies (seated #3) first. Grace came out playing hard and won the first two sets (14-20 and 10-20), taking the match victory. Next, they faced the ACS Lions. This time the Bucs came out on top, also winning in two sets (20-17 and 22-20). The final match for the Bucs on Saturday was up against the Glennallen Panthers, both teams fighting to stay in the tournament with one match loss each to Grace. Glennallen ended up out-playing the Bucs in this event (18-20 and 9-20) and went on to win the JV Lady Grizzly Invitational Tournament.
Special recognition to Lily Brown who was honored as an All-Tournament Team Player and Olivia Selanoff who was awarded Best Defender for the Junior Varsity competition. These players were selected for their hard work, effort, and exemplary skill on the court by the coaches and tournament directors viewing the games.
Go Bucs!
