By Kevin Eickman
The Milford Bucs took their homecoming game on Friday
This past Friday night at Briggs stadium, the Milford Buccaneers hosted the Saint Elizabeth Viking’s for Milford’s annual Homecoming game. In a game in which Milford always held the lead, there was a lot to like and some things to worry about. On the plus side Milford maintained a solid running game throughout most of the contes. On the minus side, however, was the mistakes that Milford made, particularly in the second half.
“Listen, we won the game, that is what this is all about. However, the penalties and lack of execution in the second half were very disconcerting.” Coach Jed Bell said.
The game started fantastically for the Buccaneers. After holding the visiting Vikings to a three and out on the opening series, Milford would set up shop at midfield for their first offensive series of the game. The opening drive would last exactly one play as junior Gregory Lockett would take the ball right up the middle for a 50 yard touchdown romp.
“I saw the hole and just hit it, when I saw all the green in front of me, I just put my foot on the gas. When you have the blocking like I did on that play, it can make a run like that very enjoyable.” Lockett said.
With a missed extra point, Milford would start the game with a 6-0 lead less than two minutes into the game. On the ensuing drive, St. Elizabeth would complete a big pass to midfield. Unfortunately for them, they would fumble the ball which was recovered by Milford around midfield. From there, the foreshadowing of what was to come for Milford from an execution standpoint, would begin to show itself. Unfortunately, the Buccaneers would go backwards, forced to punt after a three and out.
Milford held and would drive the ball into St. Elizabeth territory once after gaining possession. On fourth and long from the Viking 36, Milford would turn the ball over on downs as the first quarter came to a close with Milford still holding a 6-0 lead.
The Vikings began to find their footing and after completing a deep pass play, it looked as though they were on their way to a touchdown. It would be defense and good fortune that would turn the threatening possession into points for the Buccaneers. With the Vikings still staying with the air attack, a tipped ball turned into opportunity for junior Rahlier Rankin, who grabbed the ball at the Milford 25 yard line. What followed was an explosive return, with key blocks and broken tackles which Rankin would turn into a pick-six
“I saw the ball pop up and once I got a hold of it, I found some room and then I could see that there was a lot of open field in front of me. It was a combination of waiting on my blocks and making them miss that allowed me to score the touchdown.” Rankin said. With a two point conversion, Milford extended their lead to 14-0.
St. Elizabeth would make a questionable decision as they went for it on fourth and two on the ensuing possession. Milford held and would take over on their own 36 yard line. The offense wasted little time on it, moving the ball on the ground, with junior sophomore running back Tyjere Perry taking the ball in on the right side from eight yards out as Milford would extend the lead to 21-0 with a little over five minutes remaining in the first half.
After Milford once again gained possession of the ball, they would drive the ball down the field. Once again it would be Lockett who would punch it in from eight yards out with 1:47 remaining in the first half, Milford was now up 28-0. The Buccaneers defense would stand strong with the Vikings driving towards the end of the half, maintaining their advantage as the teams entered the locker rooms for halftime.
The game would play out differently in the second half. While the offense still managed to move the ball, it was uneven at best. The game could have turned out much differently against a better opponent. And, unfortunately for the Bucs, they have five coming up, all within the division. One bright spot on offense was the continued involvement of sophomore running back Andrew Sivels, who had two second half touchdown runs for Milford, his first multi-touchdown game for the Bucs
“It was really good to find the end zone twice, but I think the best part is that I am growing more comfortable, and the game is slowing down for me a bit. I just try to contribute any way I can.” Sivels said.
With the business end of the schedule on the horizon, Bell knows that the Buccaneers will not be able to play mistake prone football as the season will soon be very tough
“We just can’t have the mistakes we had tonight if we want to be taken seriously. We had a lot of guys that missed assignments and committed silly mistakes. We have got to get these things cleaned up or this season will head south in a hurry.” Bell stated.
Milford will host Woodbridge this Friday with a special 6 PM kickoff.
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