Sheffield defeats Bucktail 36-8 in program’s final game

By Bees O’Brien

FARWELL- It was a bitter sweet and crisp night in Farwell on Friday evening. Visiting Sheffield and their fans in attendance were in full force for what would be the final game for a program that had spanned decades in Warren County.

Sheffield was playing in their final football game in program history, a history that spanned decades and included a 2013 AML North Championship. Sheffield had become known as the lovable losers of the D9 League, but head coach Mike Barr never gave up on a tradition that had become such a huge part of his life. Barr rebuilt a program into winners once again following a 27-game losing streak.

Sheffield snapped that streak against Bucktail during the opening week of the season and on Friday night the talented Wolverines took command early on the winless Bucks.

Darrelle Barno’s 85-yard kickoff return to start the game would put Sheffield in perfect position to strike first. Barr’s son, senior quarterback Colby Barr would scamper in from 14 yards out and a Isaac Hammerbeck PAT had the visitors up quickly 7-0.

Sheffield’s squib kick on the very next play would be recovered by the Wolverines. Hayden holden’s 25-yard run would set up a Barno score from 22 yards out. Hammerbeck was money again on the point after and Sheffield led 14-0.

Barno continued his big night in Farwell by breaking away on a 51-yard punt return for a score, but Hammerbeck’s try after would fail. The Wolverines now led 20-0 heading into the locker rooms.

Bucktail seniors Brody Pentz, Gavin Yachymiak, Talan Ditty, Martin Lewis and Jeremy Gallagher were honored on senior night at halftime.

Pentz who entered the game needing 175 yards to reach 1,000 yards on the season continued to give Bucktail his best effort. Pentz got the Bucks on the board with 4:51 remaining in the third quarter on a 15-yard run. Pentz paced the Bucks with 75 yards and will need an even 100 on the road next Saturday at Columbia Montour VoTech to reach 1,000 yards.

Barr struck back on Sheffield’s next series on a 28-yard run to take away any momentum the Bucks may have gained following the Pentz score. Barr finished with 105 yards on the ground in his final high school game. The senior quarterback also completed a pair of passes for 19 yards.

Sheffield added a fourth quarter score from Barno on a 15-yard run to set the final. Barno was Sheffield’s workhorse, carrying the ball 13 times for 85 yards and the big kickoff return to start the game, followed by the punt return for the score.

Sheffield would grind out 233 yards on the ground to Bucktail’s 91 yards rushing. Penaltiess were also a burden on Bucktail who suffered 100 yards in penalties on 11 infractions to the Wolverines 45 total penalty yards.

Sheffield finished their final season at 3-4. Bucktail, now 0-7 will meet CMVT next Saturday.

Rushing

BUCKTAIL- Pentz 30-75 TD, Heiser 6-23, Intallura 1-0, Yachymiak 1- minus 7, TOTAL- 38-91 TD

SHEFFIELD- Barr 12-105 2TD, Barno 13-85 2TD, Holden 5-27, Marfink 4-16, TOTAL- 34-233 4TD