Bucs Take Opener 20-6

By Kevin Eickman

The Milford Buccaneers traveled to Mount Pleasant this past Friday, with plenty of questions needing answers. Despite a 20-6 victory, many of those questions remain. While Milford controlled possession for much of the game, they struggled to capitalize on their opportunities, and the game served as a reminder of the difference between practice and live action. “We really should have scored more points in that half, but as we talked about at the beginning of the season, this is a young team that is going to have to learn as they go,” said Coach Jed Bell. “We had some problems with the center-quarterback exchange, a few silly penalties, and some other minor mistakes that all added up to a lackluster half.”

Milford’s first scoring opportunity came after they took the ball down the field to open the game from their own 35-yard line, only to turn it over on downs at the Green Knights’ 5-yard line. With Mount struggling offensively, they took a gamble on fourth and short, which backfired and set up Milford’s first score: a 5-yard touchdown run by junior Greg Lockett, giving the Bucs a 7-0 lead with 11:32 left in the second quarter. Lockett would go on to have a stellar game, finishing with three touchdowns and over 100 yards on the afternoon.

However, Milford’s momentum faltered at the start of the second half with an interception, giving Mount Pleasant possession at Milford’s 46-yard line. The Milford defense held strong and forced a turnover on downs, thanks in part to a crucial offensive pass interference penalty drawn by junior Rahlier Rankin. “I knew the route was coming, and I had really good coverage on that play. When I got shoved and saw the pass was completed, I just hoped the ref saw it too,” Rankin said.

With the ball back at midfield, Milford drove downfield, with Rankin contributing a pair of runs to set up the Bucs at the Green Knights’ 5-yard line. Lockett then punched it in for his second touchdown, extending Milford’s lead to 13-0 with 4:52 left in the third quarter after a blocked extra point.

Mount Pleasant, however, was not finished. A 40-yard pass deep into Milford territory set up a 5-yard touchdown catch by Jordan Smith, narrowing the game to 13-6 with 11:10 left in the fourth quarter. The Bucs’ nerves were tested further when a tipped pass was intercepted by Mount Pleasant at their own 45-yard line, threatening to make a comeback.

But Milford’s defense came through once again, with Rankin intercepting a Green Knights pass on the next play and returning it to Mount’s 40-yard line. “I was expecting that route there, and when I saw it in the air, it was just a matter of catching it. I could feel they were going to stay with the passing game, and I just had to be ready,” Rankin stated.

Milford sealed the game with a final touchdown drive, largely powered by Lockett’s running as he sensed the defense weakening. “I carried the ball a lot today and had very good blocking,” Lockett said. “But on the last drive, I could tell this would be the opportunity to put the game away. It’s very nice to get a win, and it was really great that we overcame our mistakes and were able to get the W.”

Though it wasn’t a flawless performance, Milford emerged victorious. “I was really proud of how the team responded to the adversity in the fourth quarter. Those are the things you can’t teach in practice; you can only understand it when you are in game conditions. They really stepped up when it counted, and that’s what’s important,” Coach Bell reflected.

The Bucs have a bye week coming up before they host William Penn on Hall of Fame night, September 13th. Kickoff is set for 7 PM.