Bucs unable to find rhythm, dig first-half hole in first loss of season

Matthew Ehler, Grand Haven Tribune, Mich.
·2 min read

Sep. 3—TRAVERSE CITY — Winning a game against an opponent that mirrors you can often times come down to one key term.

Execution.

Grand Haven football watched Traverse City West continuously execute on Friday afternoon, as the Bucs found themselves behind the chains and never found consistent rhythm in being trounced 33-7. The Bucs converted on just 2-of-10 third downs.

Both teams featured pro style shotgun offenses, but with an emphasis on establishing the ground game. The Titans were able to assert themselves early and often behind running back Michael Schermerhorn and quarterback Brandon Konchek.

Traverse City West finished with 254 yards rushing and were a perfect 4-for-4 on fourth down.

After compiling one of their best rushing performances under coach Mike Farley in last week's season opening win against Reeths-Puffer, Grand Haven was unable to find much success against the Titans. Combine that with numerous back-breaking penalties (nine for 83 yards total in game) and the Buccaneers found themselves in a 20-0 deficit at halftime.

Grand Haven nearly scored just before halftime, but senior quarterback Owen Worthington fumbled the ball, putting the Bucs in another third and long.

Unable to convert, the Bucs sent out senior kicker Natahn Boehnke for a 37-yard field goal, but the Titans swatted it away.

Senior running back Gaven Strong put the Bucs on the board in the fourth quarter with a 56-yard dash, making it a three-score game with 8:23 left.

Grand Haven senior defensive back Antwan Price intercepted Konchek just before halftime and senior linebacker Breckan Hall collected another pick early in the third quarter.

Worthington finished 4-for-8 passing for 30 yards, Strong finished with four carries for 76 yards rushing and a TD, running back Ryan Francis carried nine times for 32 yards and senior wide receiver Bashir Neely caught two passes for 22 yards.

Grand Haven (1-1) will now gear up for OK Red conference play, hosting Jenison next Friday on Bucs Pride night.

Grand Haven freshman football

Grand Haven's freshman football team improved to 2-0 with a 21-0 win over Traverse City West on Thursday.

Luke Berry connected on 6-of-8 passes for a pair of touchdowns, both to Will Korenstra. Alex Dixon had a 25-yard catch, and Camden Nelson added two receptions and an interception.

Xzavier Rodriguez added a 5-yard touchdown run for the Bucs, while Sam LaDronka also ran well.

The Bucs' defense held Traverse City West to just over 100 yards for the game.

Rodriguez added an interception and Chase Gasser recovered a fumble.

Contact Matthew at mehler@grandhaventribune.com.