Senior-led Bucks looking for respect in the D9 League in 2023

By Bees O’Brien

FARWELL, PA- The D9 League held their annual media day at St. Marys High School in early August. During that meeting, coaches from around the league voted on how they felt the league would pan out in each region.

Region 3’s Bucktail felt a bit overlooked. The Bucks despite returning their entire starting offensive and defensive units were picked to finish second to last behind Coudersport, Otto-Eldred, Cameron County and Elk County Catholic. Bucktail was picked to finish ahead of Sheffield, but there was no respect for the league’s most prolific rushing attack.

That has been motivation for Bucktail and this senior-laden team is driven by that league oversight to prove the doubters wrong. They are expecting to just that in Farwell.

Second-year head coach Frank Sutliff took over a winless team to start the 2022 season. The Bucks won a pair of games and lost several close contests to solid Elk County Catholic and Otto-Eldred teams.

This team can run the ball and run it very well. Returning backs Braylon Fantaski and Tanner Pettingill were the best backfield combination in the league a year ago. The pair combined for over 2,000 yards of total offense. If Fantaski and Pettingill  didn’t beat you, then Brody Pentz would.

Pentz, the junior quarterback flourished in Bucktail’s triple option offense. He is a dangerous runner, but as the season progressed, he would become an even more dangerous passer. His ability to run this wild offense has seen him become a true leader on the field.

Pentz, Pettingill  and Fantaski were voted to the All-Region team a season ago in Region 3.

The Bucks don’t get those big rushing statistics without their offensive line. All-Region selection Johnny Green is back for his senior season to anchor a line that consists of multiple talented players. Evan Hillyer, Evan Ransom, Daniel Gavlock and Will Shaffer are all back and the ever-improving Talan Ditty and newcomer Martin Lewis are expected to add depth to an already impressive offensive line.

Brett Mason returns for his senior season and will see time all over the offense. Mason saw time at wide out and running back last season and caught touchdowns and rushed for scores. Colton Fleisher is expected to fill in at multiple roles for the Bucks as well.

Gavin Yachimiak became a solid target for Pentz as the season progressed. Yachimiak grabbed a beautiful touchdown pass from Brody Pentz against Coudersport a season ago. Will Steele and freshman Gavin Pick are also expected to see time in the Bucktail receiving unit.

Defensively the Bucks will enter 2023 with a few question marks. Green is expected to hold down the defensive line with Pentz and Pettingill  leading the linebacker corps. Fantaski and Mason will anchor a Bucktail secondary that was suspect to giving away big pass plays last season.

Bucktail’s schedule is an interesting one. Regular season begins August 26, but the Bucks will have already played their scrimmage against Columbia Montour Vo-Tech this past Saturday.

A road trip to Wolverine Mountain is on tap Saturday in week one to meet Sheffield. Bucktail defeated the Wolverines twice in 2022. The following Friday night on September 1 the Bucks will open their home schedule against District 6 1A title contender West Branch in Farwell, in what will probably be their biggest test of the season.

Coach Sutliff is joined by Dave Pentz and Kevin Ransom on his coaching staff.