By By ADAM FISHER / Niles Daily Star
Despite being pounded by Berrien Springs in its first loss of the year, Buchanan still has a shot at a share of the conference title. But the Bucks will need some help.
Buchanan (7-1, 5-1 Lakeland Athletic Conference) went into Berrien Springs last week undefeated with their destiny in their own hands. The Shamrocks (8-0, 6-0 LAC) were also undefeated and looked unstoppable in a 48-14 drubbing of the Bucks.
The Bucks now sit one game back of the Shamrocks with one game to play. They face Cassopolis at home Friday. The Rangers are 3-4 overall and 3-3 in the Lakeland Conference. They average 25 points per game and give up 16 per contest.
Berrien Springs plays at Coloma, who is 6-2 and 5-1 in conference. The Comets' sole conference loss came in a thriller at Buchanan on Sept. 17.
Should the Bucks win and the Shamrocks lose, they would be tied with Coloma with identical 6-1 conference record. Buchanan and Berrien Springs would each have 8-1 overall records.
But Berrien Springs losing may be wishful thinking. The Shamrocks' offense has rolled over every defense it's faced this season, scoring 42.6 points per game.
Before Friday's game, Buchanan had given up an average of 11 points per game. The Shamrocks scored four times that many.
On defense, Berrien Springs has given up just 34 points total this season for an average of 4.3 points per game.
For the Bucks, getting the passing game going will be a key against Cass. Buchanan ran the ball well for the most part against the Shamrocks, but only completed two passes.