H.S. FOOTBALL: Big Spring's run game rolls up 32-6 win over James Buchanan

MERCERSBURG >> On a chilly and wet Friday night, weather played a huge part in Big Spring's 32-6 football victory over the James Buchanan Rockets at Rocket Stadium.

The teams were both looking to achieve their first Mid Penn Colonial Division victory of the season. The constant rainfall spawned countless issues for both teams, making passing the football practically impossible as the wind either diverted the passes or the ball slipped out of the fingers of the receivers.

This established a run-heavy game which brought forth its own issues for each team. James Buchanan struggled to move the ball for most of the game and had trouble keeping a grip on the ball, leading to three lost fumbles.

"Going into the game we wanted to mix things up and get back to doing the things that we did well last year," JB coach Andy Stoner said.

Big Spring adjusted to the harsh environment much more efficiently than JB, losing the ball only once while rushing for 263 yards and four touchdowns.

"We're normally a running team, but when you have weather like this of course it's difficult to pass," Big Spring coach Cory Hoffman said. "(James Buchanan) knew that, so they stacked the box well."

Three of Big Spring's rushing touchdowns were scored by senior fullback Tristan Robb as the James Buchanan defense failed to conjure up a scheme to restrain him at the goal line. Two of his touchdowns came in the second half when the weather had deteriorated so badly that a pass attempt was carried by the wind and curved right into one of the sideline officials.

Even with the wind impeding his throws, Big Spring quarterback Ethan Lee managed to throw a short touchdown to wide receiver Anthony Tressler early in the game, while also adding a rushing TD to his stats.

It was obvious that throwing the ball was hopeless in the fourth quarter, so both teams stuck with the run late.

The Big Spring defense shut down James Buchanan's offense for most of the game and held them scoreless until the very last minute. Running back Caden Ficks scrambled one yard into the end zone for James Buchanan's first touchdown since their second game against Fairfield.

Seth Carbaugh also had a solid rushing game with 20 rushes for 76 yards, continuing the success he's had this season as the lone bright spot in the James Buchanan offense. He also made 10.5 tackles on defense to lead JB, while Zane Bray made six.

Stoner was happy about the touchdown, even with it coming late in the game.

"The touchdown was huge," Stoner said. "It would've been nice to get the ball back and seen if the momentum would have carried over, but we'll see how it goes next week."

Big Spring 32

James Buchanan 6

Big Spring71366—32J. Buchanan0006—6

First Quarter

BS — Ethan Lee 3 run (Triston Cooper kick)

Second Quarter

BS — Tristan Robb 5 run (kick failed)

BS — Anthony Tressler 14 pass from Lee (Cooper kick)

Third Quarter

BS — Robb 14 run (kick failed)

Fourth Quarter

BS — Robb 2 run (kick failed)

JB — Caden Ficks 1 run (kick failed)

BSJBFirst downs206Rushes-yards47-26331-96Passing8-16-03-12-1Passing yards9061Total yards353157Punts2-29.03-31.0Fumbles-lost2-13-3Penalties-yards3-305-25

Individual statistics

Rushing — BS, Cooper 12-90, Robb 8-70 yds, Lee 16-70, Ryan Adams 10-31, Nick Black 1-2. JB, Seth Carbaugh 20-76, Remi Spoonhour 1-11, Evan Stoner 2-6, Caden Ficks 4-4, Carlos Rauch 1-0, Dillon Sanders 3-(-1).

Passing — BS, Lee 8-16-0-90. JB, Spoonhour 3-12-1-61.

Receiving — BS, Cooper 1-24, Garrett Chestnut 2-22, Kenny Blessing 2-18, Tressler 1-14, Adams 2-12. JB, Carlos Rauch 3-61.

Interception — BS, Blessing.