Bucktail edge by Cameron County, 22-20
From staff reports/Bees O’Brien
EMPORIUM, PA – The Bucktail Bucks battled from beginning to end in a renewal of a long-dormant rivalry with Cameron County Friday night. But in the end the home-standing Raiders held off the Bucks for a 22-20 win. The win put the Emporium-based school at 2-0; the loss dropped the competitive Bucks to 0-2. Bucktail fought from the beginning until the end, but dropped their cross-divisional rivalry game to Cameron County, a series that began years ago between Renovo and Emporium High Schools.
The Bucks made huge improvements on offense and battled the Red Raiders up until the very end, including a final second touchdown. The Bucks had a 12-8 lead into the third quarter, but Cameron County went back on top with a Maddox Baughman to Lathan Reed 8 yard pass and the two-point conversion put CC up 16-12. Cameron County added another six points later for a 22-12 lead. Bucktail would score on a Dylan Cross to Brody Pentz pass with three seconds remaining and add a two-point conversion to make it a 22-20 game. That proved to be the final score.
The Bucks’ Cross continued to show his athleticism from the quarterback spot on Friday night. He completed 8 of 16 passes for 121 yards and 2 touchdowns. Cross also showed why he’s one of the more dangerous dual threat QB’s in the league by rushing for 87 yards on the ground.
Zack Pick is becoming one of Cross’ more reliable receivers. The senior hauled in four passes for 54 yards and Bucktail’s first touchdown of the game. He also was a factor on defense as he slid back into his middle linebacker spot.
Varsity newcomer Pentz is quietly becoming a threat on offense. Pentz’s touchdown grab game gave him his second score of the season. Braylon Fantaski has also become another offensive threat for the Bucks at the wide receiver spot.
Bucktail will be back in action on Thursday, Sept. 9, hosting Union/AC Valley (1-1), the game moved to Thursday due to a a referee shortage. Union/AC won its game Friday night by a 77-0 score over Sheffield.
