Milford can’t overcome injuries, Sussex Tech Parent Night, and stadium closure, falls 34-27

By Kevin Eickman

Milford fell to Sussex Tech on Friday night

The Milford Buccaneers headed to Sussex Tech Friday night short-handed and facing both Senior Night and the final game in the history of Tech’s stadium. The team fought hard and led early, but ultimately was worn down by Tech’s relentless running attack and big plays, falling 34-27.

With Milford starting quarterback, junior Cayden Jarett, out due to injury. the Buccaneers turned to fellow junior Rahlier Rankin. Milford adjusted its offense to optimize Rankin’s different skill set by shifting him out from under center and using his talents out of the pistol and shotgun formations.

Tech turned the ball over on its first three possessions of the game, including its first play from scrimmage. Milford couldn’t take advantage of getting the ball on the Tech 30 as Rankin was picked off in the end zone.

Starting at its own 20-yard line, Tech got its running game in gear. Ripping off big plays, Tech worked its way into Milford territory, but the defense finally made a play as they recovered a Tech fumble on their 20-yard line.

While Milford would gain a few first downs on the ensuing possession, they would ultimately be forced to punt. With 3:29 remaining in the first quarter, Tech turned the ball over again on its own 36. The Milford offense began to find its footing as sophomore running back Andrew Sivels took it in from 10 yards out. With a failed two-point conversion, Milford would take a 6-0 lead with 1:26 remaining in the first quarter.

Milford forced another turnover on the ensuing kickoff, but Rankin would throw another end-zone interception. Tech moved the ball a bit, but the Milford defense held at midfield and Tech punted.

Starting in the shadows of their end zone at the 15, the Buccaneers quickly scored on a 73-yard touchdown run by Sivels after he took the ball up the left sideline and never looked back. Milford’s effort at a two-point attempt failed but the Bucs still led 12-0 with 7:26 remaining in the second quarter.

Tech responded, and this time there would be no mistakes to bail out the Milford defense. Play after play, Tech pounded the ball into Milford territory as senior running back Isaiah Jones would cap the 80-yard drive with an 11-yard touchdown run with 2:26 remaining in the half. A failed extra point attempt would keep the score at 12-6 going into halftime.

With Milford starting on their own 25-yard line to start the second half, the offense appeared ready to take control of the game. With Sivels running and Rankin growing ever more comfortable in the passing game, it would be Rankin who would find senior Amare’ Adams from 11 yards out to cap the drive. A successful two-point conversion would push the Milford advantage to 20-6 with 6:26 remaining in the third quarter.

Tech wasted little time responding as they set up shop on their own 45-yard line. One play later, senior Kyle Thompson cut right up the middle of the Milford defense and went 55 yards for the touchdown as Tech cut the Milford advantage to 20-13, with 6:12 left in the third quarter.

Things would go from bad to worse for Milford as they went three-and-out. Thompson returned the punt 65 yards deep into Milford territory. The Tech running game continued to hum, and Jones would score from one yard out with 3:34 left in the third quarter, tying the score at 20.

The last big play of the game for Milford would come courtesy of an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Milford sophomore Tyjere Perry. The successful extra point would allow Milford to retake the lead at 27-20, but it would be the last time Milford would find the endzone.

Facing a tired Milford defense, Tech took the ball at their 20 and drove 80 yards with Jones scoring from 11 yards out. Tech went for two and scored, giving them a 28-27 advantage.

The Tech defense then took over. With time running down and Tech once again driving the ball, Milford decided to allow them to score with 2:11 remaining in hopes of giving their offense one last chance. Trailing 34-27 and needing to throw the ball, Rankin threw an interception to close out the game.

Milford Coach Jed Bell expressed pride in his team’s effort after the game.

“We basically put in a new offense in three days this week and did well,” he said. “What was really important was that the guys never gave up tonight. They had every chance to quit, and they didn’t. Our difficulty stopping the run is what cost us the game. However, I believe this is a game we can build on.”

Milford (4-4) will host 7-1 Delmar this Friday on Senior Night. Game time is 7PM.