WHAT HAPPENED: 

This past Friday, the Bucs played away at Houseman Field in Grand Rapids to play their final pre-season game in OK Red conference against Grand Rapids Union. The Bucs came out strong offensively, setting them up with a 21 point lead before the start of the second quarter. This offensive continued into the following quarters, but Union was able to break away from the Buccaneers defense and scored a touchdown ending the game with a score of 37-6. 

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN:

Another win means the Bucs are another step closer to the opportunity of competing in post-season games. But in addition, this game was also an opportunity for non-starting players to gain game experience and finish out the season on a high note. 

KEY PLAYERS:

• Senior Brian Nicholson had several strong runs, one even resulting in a touchdown. 
• Junior LJ Sandoval’s impressive footwork resulted in a couple of breakaways helping the Bucs offensively. 
• Senior Connor Worthington played well offensively and defensively when he sacked Union’s quarterback. 

KEY MOMENT:

The game had no major highlights, but as a whole, it was a feel-good game for the Bucs which is always a plus when potential ending the season on. Several players stepped up to a higher level of playing, which made the game and ultimately the season end on a strong point. 

THEY SAID IT: 

“We knew we had a pretty good lead and we knew we had the kids out there to make the plays,” senior Austin Broemer said. “We were pretty confident we had that one in the bag.”