Kevin Ransom named new Bucktail football head coach

By Bees O’Brien

FARWELL- With just a little over three months remaining until PIAA preseason football drills are set to begin, Bucktail found out who will now take over the reins and lead the upstart program moving forward.

This past week it was revealed that Kevin Ransom will now lead the state’s smallest public school gridiron program. Ransom brings with him a vast knowledge of high school football coaching experience.

Ransom served as the defensive coordinator the past two seasons under outgoing head coach Frank Sutliff. During that span the Bucks would completely change the overall perspective of how Bucktail football was viewed. 

The team quickly improved following a winless season. They would win 2 games during Sutliff’s first season and then power their way to the PIAA District IV 1A playoffs this past season.

Ransom formerly was Bucktail’s head junior high football coach for two seasons. He has also coached wrestling at different levels and has coached for Central Mountain’s youth football program.

Ransom also brings with him his knowledge of PIAA rules as he has been a PIAA football and wrestling official since 1996.

Bucktail qualifies through District IV 1A for the postseason, but currently plays in the District 9 Region 3 League. Region 3 opponents Sheffield, Elk County Catholic, Cameron County, Otto-Eldred, Coudersport and Region 3 newcomers Smethport. Their cross divisional opponents for 2024 will be Union/AC Valley out of Clarion County and a nonconference game with Columbia Montour Vo Tech has also been scheduled.

Practice is set to begin in early August.