By Sean Duffy

Medina, OH- The Buckeye Bucks needed a late rally survive week 3 and remain unbeaten with a 27-26 victory over the visiting Copley Indians. The Bucks were able to ride RB Ben Barnes and his three TDs to overcome back from a 12 point 4th quarter deficit. Barnes was able to rush for two TDS late in the fourth quarter to lead his team to victory and provide the the home team fans a drama filled football Friday night in Medina. Buckeye’s Defense was able to to stop Copley’s attack after taking the lead late in the fourth quarter, forcing a crucial fumble that the Bucks recovered in the Copley red zone. After converting a first down by the nose of the football, Buckeye’s comeback was complete.

Copley’s Preston Taylor put on an impressive performance in a losing effort accounting for all 26 of the Indians’ points. Taylor would score four rushing TDs, three of those coming in the first half. Taylor’s final TD came at the opening of the fourth quarter. Taylor’s performance was the driving force for the Indians offensively, however costly penalties and poor execution on the defensive side of the ball allowed Buckeye score 13 unanswered points in the last 7 minutes of the game to secure the victory.

Copley falls to 1-2 on the season overall, the Indians will face a tough test on the road in week 4 to open up Suburban League Conference play against Aurora (3-0).

Buckeye improves to 3-0 on the year and will open Great Lakes Conference play on the road in week 4 against North Olmsted (2-1). The Bucks were led by player of the game Ben Barnes who had 3 TDs on the night, 2 rushing and a touchdown pass to James Orient.