Bucs Keep Rolling
The Bucs win their homecoming game and finish off senior night as they head into playoffs.
November 5, 2016
Last week the Berkeley Buccaneers defeated the Middleton Tigers 38-22 for Berkeley’s homecoming game. Anyone who attended the game could feel the intensity in the air as they stood in packed stands. This game was even more special for the seniors — it was their senior night and their last game in the Stanford J. Newman stadium.
The Bucs got off to a rocky start, fumbling the opening kickoff, but recovering to maintain possession. They stayed focused and established the run game early on. This game plan became a critical part of their success. In the middle of the first quarter, running back Gordon Stetson ‘17 punched in a touchdown for the Bucs’ first points of the night. Stetson not only had another strong performance on the ground, but he also displayed his skills catching the ball. Quarterback Davis Koetter ‘17 connected with Stetson several times in the first quarter, using screen passes to keep the Middleton defenders off-balance. Stetson made a great sideline grab to continue to move the chains for the Bucs. Later in the first quarter, Jakob Hines ’19 showed off his combination of lethal speed and agility, scoring another touchdown for the Bucs. Due to a missed extra point kick earlier, the Bucs decided to go for two on a quarterback run and converted it.
BUCS PUT THEIR BEST FOOT FORWARD: Football remains one of Berkeley’s most watched sports — not for the hum of the florescent lights or the buzz of the electrified crowd, but for the obvious skill, effort and love the players put into the game.
In the beginning of the second quarter, the Middleton offense started to show signs of life as they approached the redzone. The Bucs’ defense was dominant, however, keeping the pressure on and the Tigers out of the end zone. On the other side of the ball, wide receiver Joshua Youngblood ‘19 exhibited bursts of tremendous speed, breaking through the Tigers secondary for a couple of catches over 15 yards. To cap off the first half, Zach Mathis ‘18 intercepted a pass from Middleton’s quarterback to send the Bucs into halftime with the lead.
BUCS THRIVE WITH CIAO: Every athlete hopes to find a coach who will bring out the best in them; a friend who shows passion for the sport while caring for the players like family. Coach Dominick Ciao, who just secured his 200th win, is just one of these coaches at Berkeley who embodies the true coaching spirit.
The Bucs began the second half with a huge sack by Gregg Moore ‘17 for a loss of five yards. Their tenacious front seven kept up the pressure, recording two other sacks by Junior Nicholas Petit-Frere ‘18 and Mayan Ahanotu ‘18. Not to be outdone, the Bucs offense charged down the field, and Koetter connected with Stetson for a receiving touchdown. The Buc’s fine play continued into the fourth quarter, with Koetter adding a rushing touchdown, and Mathis grabbing his second interception for an incredible night. To seal the deal, senior Ryan Montgomery ‘17 made an interception in the final two minutes to secure the victory on Senior Night.
BERKELEY BRINGS THE ARMADA: Reilley Poulin ‘19, Nicole Stambo ‘19, Iris Casey ‘19, Hannah Keane ‘19 and Bailie Schock ’19 (from left) cheered the Bucs to victory during Friday’s game against Middleton. The girls continued a spirit-filled weekend at the 50s themed Homecoming Dance.
The Bucs played solid football all night on both sides of the ball, minimizing any mistakes. Koetter finished with two touchdowns, one passing and one rushing, and Stetson finished with 151 total yards for three total touchdowns. The Bucs now have one more away game before they begin their playoff journey.
When asked how special this game was to Berkeley, Petit-Frere said, “This win for homecoming is amazing. As a team, we wanted to thank all the alumni and fans that came out to support us. These are the games we love to play.”
ONCE A BUC, ALWAYS A BUC: Will Jones, a former British Exchange student shadowing Jack Touchton ’19, visited Berkeley for one of its most exciting nights: the Homecoming Game! Will, pictured on the right next to Schock, had not been to the United States before his “trip of a lifetime.” He returned to Brighton, England Saturday morning.
