TENNERTON – The Buckhannon-Upshur Buccaneer football team will look to refocus as they open the home portion of their schedule Friday night when they host the Philip Barbour Colts in a Big 10 Conference contest.
Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. at Freal “Red” Crites Memorial Stadium.
The Bucs had little go right last week in a 77-0 loss to Bridgeport. First-year head coach Sloan Baisden and his team have no choice but to forget about that game and move forward.
“We talked after the game Friday night about washing it down the drain, and nothing has changed about that this week,” noted Baisden. “We just have to refocus and prepare for Philip Barbour. That game is in the past now. We are through with it. Philip Barbour is another tough opponent. The focus this week is to see success; we have to do what we do and do it well.”
Baisden said his team has had a good week of practice heading into Friday night’s game.
“Our team leaders know there are some incentives in playing well against Philip Barbour,” stated Baisden. “I think that drives them a little bit. Our leaders were vocal this week, were focused and ready to work hard. Philip Barbour is a rival, but we are focusing on the opportunity to present our team. Week one didn’t go our way, let’s use that as fuel, but that said, you always want to win these types of games.”
The Colts will enter the game with a 1-0 record after beating Grafton at home last week by a 35-14 score. The Colts scored all five of their touchdowns in the second quarter of the game.
The Colts placed two backs over the 100-yard mark in the win as senior running back Michael Morral ran for 113 yards on just four carries while junior tailback Logan Beam ran for 107 yards on 17 attempts. Senior quarterback Braylyn Edwards threw for 114 yards, completing six of his 10 passes.
“Philip Barbour has an athletic backfield, and they are big up front,” noted Baisden. “They have a lot of experience, and they have high expectations this year. We want to do our part to ruin that for them.”
Baisden said the key for the Bucs to win this game is to move the ball offensively. Last week against Bridgeport, the Bucs managed negative one yard of offense.
“We have to move the ball downfield,” stated Baisden. “We sat on our heels last week. Granted, Bridgeport is Bridgeport, but I thought we played on our heels. We didn’t attack on offense. The team has to trust what we are doing and play it with conviction.”
Baisden said his team is excited to have the opportunity to play in front of their fans in their home opener.
“Playing at home adds to the excitement of the game for us,” stated Baisden. “It’s the seniors last chance to have a home opener, it’s my first game home game and our chance to show the fans who couldn’t make it to Bridgeport what we are capable of. I hope we can put a product on the field Friday that the community is proud of.”
