Submitted by Lee Chadwick
It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon of football this past weekend as the Bucs hosted the Nikiski Bulldogs in their final game of the season. It was terrific to see parent and community support as spectators turned out in good numbers to watch the Bucs and be treated to an anthem performance by Ann Norris and students.
In first half action, the Bulldogs jumped out to an early 14-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. However, the Bucs were seeing success moving the ball as well despite being unable to put it into the endzone on the first two drives. However, the second quarter showed Buc success when senior running back Ben Aldrich scampered for a 45 yard run through the middle of the Bulldog defense to reach paydirt. The Bulldogs also proved difficult to stop, scoring twice more in the second quarter. With 4 seconds left before half-time and the Bucs facing a 4th and 17, senior Barrett McCumby also ran through the Buc defense to score on the final play of the half. Both McCumby and Aldrich’s touchdowns were running the same play initiated by senior Corey Peterson’s crushing trap blocks to open the gap.
The second half scoring action slowed as the Buc defense stiffened, recording several sacks, turnover on downs, and allowing only one more touchdown prior to the sounding bell. On the other hand, offensive effectiveness also slowed as the toll of facing a much larger, deeper team took a physical toll. The game ended in a loss for the Bucs with a final score of 34-16. However, the Bucs showed great grit, determination, and improvement from their previous meeting in Nikiski.
Seniors Corey Peterson, Ben Aldrich, Barrett McCumby, and Jaxson Gallatin were honored at half-time for their final gridiron action at Buc Stadium. They will be greatly missed, having provided terrific leadership for the Bucs this year.
We would also like to thank all who showed such great support this year, including parents who feed opposing teams each weekend, Mr. Wegner as a terrific Athletic Director, volunteers to run the clock, chains, announcing, and all it takes to keep a program running. Also, thank you to parents who entrust your athletes to the football program. We believe it is a positive experience for your sons. Next season starts tomorrow. Hope to see you all there.
