Bucktail football holds awards banquet

By Bees O’Brien

NORTH BEND- On Sunday at Chapman Township Fire Hall in North Bend, the Bucktail varsity and junior high football teams and their families were treated to the programs’ annual awards banquet.

Bucktail’s junior high squad celebrated a perfect 6-0, undefeated season this past fall. On Sunday their efforts were rewarded as the team will forever be enshrined in the lobby trophy case. Junior high coach Bruce Ransom also received one of these plaques, as well.

All of the junior high players received participation awards and managers Keegan Kitchen and Gianni Lowery each received manager awards for their service throughout the season.

Bucktail’s varsity finished 5-5 and were able to host their first ever District IV 1A playoff game this season. Eventually district champions South Williamsport would represent the district well and reach the state semifinals before falling to eventual champions Steelton-Highspire.

Big Man Of The Year would go to Johnny Green. The senior first-team All D9 League selection dominated up front and was part of an offensive line that opened up holes for the Bucks to gain over 3,000 yards on the ground in 2023.

Rookie of the year honors went to freshman Jayden Intallura. Intallura played well in the Bucktail secondary made the most of his limited carries in the Bucktail backfield.

Jayden Barnes, another key part to that Bucktail front line received the spirit award.

Most Improved awards went to Martin Lewis and Gavin Yachymiak. Lewis became yet another driving force on the Bucktail offensive line and Yachymiak made great strides in 2023. Yachymiaks receiving yards, catches and touchdowns were up from the previous season.

Defensive MVP went to another Bucktail all-conference selection in Brody Pentz. Pentz was the leader on defense all season long and will be remembered for stopping West Branch’s Tyler Biggins short of the goal line on a two-point conversion that would have given the Warriors the victory.

Braylon Fantaski, the Mansfield University signee was named offensive MVP. Fantaski was a major threat both on the ground and through the air. He would rush for 679 yards and 10 touchdowns, while catching a team-high 26 passes for 486 yards and 6 scores during the 2023 season.

Brody Pentz’s 1,366 yards rushing and 17 rushing touchdowns to go along with his over 700 yards passing from his quarterback spot was enough to earn the junior the team MVP honors.

Seniors Brett Mason, Evan Hillyer and 773-yard rusher Tanner Pettingill were selected as coaches award recpients.

Collin Bixler received the varsity manager’s award.