Bucktail Falls in Game Ended on Multiple Personal Fouls in Third Period

By Jim Morgan

FARWELL – Bucktail’s 2017 Homecoming game will be remembered as the scuffle that ended the game in the third quarter. Previously winless Sayre (1-6) was leading at the time by a 28-14 score. Between the officals, coaches and Bucktail athletic staff the final decision was to call the game on many personal fouls. As Sayre scored its first touchdown in the third quarter some unsportsman-like blind-sided hits lead to the ending of the game.

For me as a PIAA offical, the decision was a great call. For the fans that did not like it, you need to understand the PIAA unsportsman-like rules of the game.
 
For Homecoming it started on the right foot for the Bucks as the second play from scrimmage was a Tanner Riggle 57-yard touchdown run; Richard Perry to Liam Dwyer for the two point conversion at the 11:07 mark, Bucktail up 8-0. Sayre would answer right back and tie it up 8-8 on a 26-yard touchdown pass. Then the wheels started coming off for the Bucks. After the kick-off, the first play resulted in a fumble and recovery by Sayre. Sayre would quickly score on a three yard run and taking the lead at 15-8.

Just as Sayre switched ends of the field they would score on a 13-yard run for the 21-8 score starting in the second quarter. With Joey Long and Tanner Riggle going to the sidelines with injuries, Sayre would just jump on that and score on a 27-yard pass for a 28-8 score at the 8:01 mark.

Bucktail would settle down just enough to score at the 55 second mark from a two yard run, 28-14 going into the lockerroom. Both coaches agreed to play the second half with ten minute quarters as the Bucks were down to 13 players.

Riggle tried to play as he was wrapped up during a run and hopped right over to the sidelines. At the 5:48 mark of the third quarter Sayre had the ball and did a running play which ended the game in disbelieve.

Bucktail (3-4) will travel to Muncy next Friday night as the kick-off will start at 7 p.m.