Make or break game for Bucks at Keystone

By Bees O’Brien

FARWELL, PA – It’s hard to even imagine that Bucktail (0-3) could very well be in a great position in their debut season in the D9 League South Division. They’ve had a terrible offensive start to the 2021 season, but believe it or not an upset win over Keystone (3-0) in Knox this Friday night could put the league newcomers right in the hunt for the league title. They’d control their own destiny and need a monstrous upset over Redbank Valley on Flaming Foliage weekend and defeat Brockway later in October, but mathematically speaking it’s very much possible.

Bucktail’s offensive output thus far says otherwise. The Bucks enter Friday’s road game against the Panthers averaging just 8.7 points per contest and failed to score a single point against Smethport in their last outing. In comparison 2020 saw the Bucks average their best scoring season in the past five seasons at 17.6 points per contest. Adjustments need to come in a hurry.

Bucktail very much needs to eliminate turnovers and gain positive yardage to give their defense a chance to hold opposing teams in check. They did so for one quarter this past week and only trailed Smethport 7-0 after one quarter. Turnovers and penalties quickly allowed talented Hubber quarterback Noah Lent to pick them apart in the second quarter.

Bucktail was also marred with five personal foul penalties. More discipline and control will be needed on Friday. Players weren’t the only ones to blame, as one of their 15 yard infractions was due to an assistant coach being flagged for a sideline interference call.

Bucktail also needs to find consistency at center in their shotgun style offense. The Bucks have used four different centers throughout their first three games.

Keystone enters Friday’s game following an un-anticipated week off. Their D9 cross-divisional game with Cameron County was canceled due to COVID reasons, but the Panthers are ready to go come Friday.

Keystone is 3-0 overall and 2-0 in the South Division. They stunned defending District 9 1A Champions Redbank Valley in week 1 22-20 and did so without an offensive touchdown and just 13 total yards of offense. Two pick-six scores and a kickoff return for a touchdown was enough for the shocking victory. The Panthers kept rolling at Port Allegany with a 36-30 shootout victory and their 24-6 win over Brockway in week 3 saw their offense continue to improve.

Keystone is led by quarterback Bret Wingard. Wingard has thrown for 293 yards in three games. His favorite target has been Zander McHenry, who scored two touchdowns in their last game against Brockway.

Kyle Nellis does the bulk of their running. He compiled 152 yards on the ground against Port Allegany.

This Friday’s game at Keystone will be audio streamed on therecord-online, Brian Probst and Frank Sutliff with the call.

Next week Bucktail heads to Coudersport while Keystone is set to travel to Wolverine Mountain on Saturday to face winless Sheffield.