The Republic County Junior High football team opened the season on September 1 with a home game against Southeast of Saline. A stout defense and big play offense are always good combinations, as the Buffs rolled to a 28-0 win. “The offensive line did a great job coming off the ball, and Tucker Allen at tight end had some great blocks to spring our backs for big gains,” said first year head coach Eric Allgood. Defensively, the Buffs held the visiting Trojans to just 8 yards on 23 plays. “William McNemar and Derek Vanous on the ends played as well as we could ask them, and combined for 5 sacks.”
In the B team game, Trevor Lowell accounted for 2 touchdowns, including taking the second half kickoff back for a touchdown, as the Buffs held on for a 16-14 win. “For most of these guys it was their first game experience, and I was very proud of the way they handled themselves.” Mikel Cottenmyre made some plays up front on defense, and Justin Allen had a deflection that Trevor Lowell intercepted to seal the win.
On September 8, NCAA foe Minneapolis came to Belleville to tangle with the Buffs. The Lions were the ones to make the big plays on offense this time, winning 30-20. “Despite giving up big plays early, I was happy with the way the guys fought back. We gave ourselves a chance in the 4th quarter, but just couldn’t find the plays we needed.” With Minneapolis up 14-0 after snapping the ball just twice, Derek Vanous ripped off touchdown runs of 77 and 10 to get the Buffs within 2 at half time.
Minneapolis opened up their lead to 30-12 midway through the 3rd quarter, before the Buffs made their charge. A 13 play drive ended in a 5 yard run by Tyler Popelka. On the ensuing Minneapolis possession, the Buff defense forced a bad punt snap out of the end zone, cutting the score to 30-20. The Buffs received the kick near midfield, but were unable to generate any offense, and turned the ball over on downs.
The Junior Buffs travel to Superior, NE to take on the Wildcats on Thursday, September 15. Kickoff is set for 5:00pm
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