By By MICHAEL BASHARA
Niles Daily Star
BRONSON -- The Buchanan Football dropped its second heartbreaker in two weeks as it fell to Bronson 22-21 in the first overtime possession.
This was one great football game that everyone in the stands found exciting. It was one of those games where you hate to see someone lose.
That sentiment was shared by both coaches as they talked about how their teams played together with a lot of heart.
Buchanan scored first on a two-yard run by DuJuan Bennett at 10:27 in the second period. Josh Wahlstom added the extra point.
Bennett finished the night with two touchdowns and 116 yards rushing in 16 carries. He had 102 of those yards in the first half.
Actually, Buchanan held a lead until the 5:28 mark of the final period when Bronson tied the score with a five-yard pass from Chris Schmelzer to Trevor Ferry. Schmetzer hit Tyler Losinski for the conversion to tie the score at 14-14.
Buchanan then drove down to 13-yard line with five seconds to go in the game and set up for a 30-yard field that was blocked.
Bronson won the toss for the overtime and took defense. Buchanan scored on its second play on a 13-yard pass from Gordon Bryant to Jacob Brown. Wahlstom added the extra point to put Buchanan up 21-14.
On third-and-goal from the eight-yard line in Bronson's possession Schmetzer hit Losinski for the touchdown.
Bronson then set up with a spread formation for the conversion. Buchanan called timeout to cover its defense. Bronson changed the play, going to a tight formation and running Losinski on the reverse.
After Buchanan's first score at 10:27 in the second period, Bronson answered with 22-yard pass from Schmelzer to Trent Lepper. The two-point conversion was no good.
Buchanan scored again in the second period on a two-play drive when Bennett broke free for a 31-yard touchdown with 31 seconds to go in the first half. Wahlstrom added the extra point.
The third period was scoreless, but it seemed like Bronson had its offense on the field the entire second half.
Actually, Buchanan stopped Bronson twice in the third period. Unfortunately, each of Buchanan's possessions were three-and-out.
In the second half Buchanan ran 15 offensive plays compared to Bronson's 33.
Buchanan had a definite punting advantage. After Buchanan's second possession in the third quarter, the Bucks pinned Bronson down on the eight-yard line.
Bronson put together a 92-yard drive that consumed time in both the third and fourth quarters. Bronson ended up with a first-and-goal on four-yard line.
After three running plays they faced a fourth-and-goal from the five-yard line before scoring the tying touchdown.
Kyle Cornwell had several key tackles and two big interceptions with nice returns. Cornwell was stymied as a running back gaining only 16 yards in 11 carries. Jared Rusher carried for 33 yards in six carries, and Gordon Bryant rushed seven times for 44 yards.
Buchanan will now open its conference season next Friday as it travels to Brandywine for a 7:30 p.m. game.