By Kevin Eickman
Milford Bucs defeated Concord
Saturday morning The Milford Buccaneers Football Team traveled up to Concord for what shaped up to be a tough road test. Under steamy conditions, Milford knew that they would be challenged by the hosting Raiders. What also became apparent early in the game was that they would be challenged by the field and the elements as well. On a sloppy surface there was one constant for the Buccaneers, their defense. On the muddy field the defense was stout against the run and solid in the secondary. Each time they were asked to respond they did.
On the first series of the game, it looked as if Milford would make quick work of Concord. Starting at their own 35 yard line, the Bucs moved the ball methodically down the field, driving to the Concord 40 yard line. From there sophomore running back Tyjere Perry would bust an outside run the distance and just like that Milford was up 7-0 following the successful point after kick. It looked like the rout might be on, but the truth was the battle was just beginning.
Concord would adjust defensively and stack the box for the rest of the game. With Milford not fairing well in the passing game, it became a game of attrition as the Buccaneers kept it conservative on offense, while strong on defense. Milford would attempt to go to the air midway through the second quarter, the result was an interception by Concord, Milford would respond on the very next play as junior Shawn Lovett would pick of the Raiders on the Raiders next play. It was part of a solid showing by Milford’s secondary, which was solid all game long.
The key component of the defensive backfield was the bracketing coverage of Concord junior wide receiver Shawn Minor by Lovett and fellow junior Rahlier Ranken “We had seen him on film and knew they were going to try and get him the ball as much as possible. Our guys played assignment football all game long and played it well.” Coach Jed Bell said.
While Milford was able to move the ball at times during the first half, they were not able to create any sustained drives. With the first half nearing it’s completion, it looked as if Milford would have to be content with a 7-0 halftime lead. In a major turn of events, Milford senior punter, Imer Gonzalez-Velasquez would pin Concord at their own three yard line late in the second quarter. The result would be a huge boost for Milford as a fumble was eagerly scooped up by Milford junior Landon Bradley who jaunted five yards for a touchdown. Following the extra point, Milford would end the half with a 14-0 advantage.
The defense remained stout with junior Gregory Locket and senior Amare’ Andrews just part of an aggressive Milford defensive front. Speaking with Andrews following the game, he realized early on that due to the conditions, the defense was going to need to be strong “It really was a team effort today on defense. Everyone did their jobs, everyone gave their all, you really can’t ask for more than that and that is why were able to win the game today.”
As the game wore on, the Milford running game finally started to heat up. Getting some chunk plays from Lockett, along with Perry, sophomore Andrew Sivels and junior Rahlier Rankin among the running backs who contributed. The final scoring drive of the game would be completed with junior quarterback Cayden Jarett taking it in from one yard out to give Milford the 21-0 advantage with 4:01 left in the third quarter.
Milford would close out the scoring with a 30 yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, by Lockett who worked tirelessly on both sides of the ball “It’s just a matter of keeping at it, grinding away. We made sure we didn’t beat ourselves today and that is important. This was a real team win and our offensive line fought very hard to get us this win.” Lockett said.
Milford will host St. Elizabeth this Friday on Homecoming Night. The game is scheduled for a 7 PM kick-off.
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