By By TOM NYHUIS / Niles Daily Star
BUCHANAN - Buchanan knew coming into Friday night's game against Edwardsburg the Bucks (2-4, 2-2) would have to play at the top of their game if they wanted to come out with a win.
After four quarters of play it was the Eddies coming away with a 35-14 Lakeland Conference win on the Bucks home field.
Edwardsburg (5-1, 4-0) scored on their first drive of the night taking the ball 57 yards in eight plays capped off by a seven-yard touchdown run by Jeff Mortimer. David Daniels point-after kick gave the Eddies an early 7-0 lead.
Buchanan set up their first score of the night after a partial block of a punt by David Medlin gave the ball the the Bucks at the Eddies 25.
Seven plays later the Buchanan team was celebrating after a one-yard plunge by Matt Dykema. Jase Andrews point-after kick split the uprights and the game was tied at seven with just over a minute to play in the first quarter.
The Eddies responded with a five play drive that covered 42 yards to retake the lead 15-7 as Mortimer ran in the extra point.
Buchanan's offense was unable to get any momentum going. The Bucks punted the ball away and the Eddies took over at the Bucks 49. Eleven plays later Mortimer marched in five-yards for the Eddies' third score of the first half to lead 21-7.
The Bucks were looking for a way to pull off an upset with a miracle comeback in the second half, but their would be no miracle in the cards for the Bucks on Friday night. Edwardsburg tacked on another score with eight minutes to play in the third quarter to take a 28-7 lead as Daniels broke free for a 29-yard run.
The Eddies final points came in the fourth on a 7-play, 45-yard drive finished off by a nine-yard run by Matt Peters. Steve Gowen added the PAT kick for a 35-7 margin.
Peters finished the night with 71 yard on 14 carries to lead the Eddies rushing offense which finished the night with 286 yards on the ground. Gowen finished the night with 5-of-8 passing for 41 yards.
For Buchanan Brenson Stroman carried the ball 10 times for 56 yards to lead the Bucks.
Stroman gave the Bucks their final score of the night after a nine-yard pass reception from Eric Cole, plowing his way over the goal line with one second remaining on the clock. Cole finished the night 4-for-7 for 63-yards with two interceptions. The Bucks also turned the ball over on a fumble by Marques Hall.
Buchanan will host River Valley next Friday as the Bucks look to get back on the winning track during their homecoming game against the Mustangs. Game time scheduled for 7:30 p.m.