Buccaneers Cage the Cougars in  35-7 District-Opening Victory Over Buna

By Sharisa Nelson, Sports Reporter 

  The East Chambers Buccaneers traveled to Buna on Friday, September 25th, to open District play against the Buna Cougars, and the Bucs wasted little time making their presence known.

  East Chambers jumped out to a 35-0 halftime advantage and held on for a 35-7 victory over the Cougars. The win moved the Buccaneers to 5-0 on the season and gave them a strong start to District play.

  The Bucs’ defense set the tone from the opening kickoff. After the Bucs received the opening kick and fumbled, East Chambers then forced a Cougars turnover on downs at the Bucs 30-yard line. The Bucs quickly turned the opportunity into points.

  With 6:55 remaining in the first quarter, #0 Earius Ceasar found the end zone on a 19-yard touchdown run. #8 Adan Garcia added the extra point to give East Chambers a 7-0 lead.

  The Buccaneers recovered an onside kick at the Buna 47-yard line on the ensuing kickoff and immediately went back to work. #13 Brycen Wells helped move the offense down the field, including a quarterback keeper to the Buna 9-yard line. After a Buna penalty moved the ball closer to the goal line, #4 Zay Green finished the drive with a touchdown run. Garcia’s PAT extended the lead to 14-0 with 5:09 left in the opening quarter.

  The East Chambers defense continued to create opportunities. After forcing another Buna possession, #5 Rashard Hale intercepted a pass and returned it 28 yards, setting the Buccaneers up at the Buna 28-yard line.

  The Bucs capitalized once again early in the second quarter. Ceasar carried the ball into the end zone on a 22-yard touchdown run with 11:05 remaining in the first half. Garcia’s extra point made the score 21-0.

  Hale came up with another interception later in the half, giving the Buccaneers another short field. East Chambers moved the ball inside the Buna 5-yard line before #0 Ceasar scored his third touchdown of the night. Garcia’s PAT pushed the advantage to 28-0 with 7:19 remaining before halftime.

  The Bucs’ defense continued to keep the Cougars in check, forcing Buna into a series of penalties and stopping a fourth-down attempt near midfield.

  East Chambers put together one more scoring drive before the break. After a series of runs and quarterback keepers, #10 Darius Edmonson powered his way into the end zone with just 43 seconds remaining in the half. Garcia’s extra point sent the Buccaneers into the locker room with a commanding 35-0 lead.

  East Chambers’ offensive production was led by Ceasar, who finished with 105 rushing yards on 11 carries and three touchdowns. Wells completed 7 of 13 passes for 91 yards and added 40 rushing yards. Green contributed 10 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Edmonson added 14 rushing yards and a touchdown.

  The Buccaneers also received a strong performance through the air from #2 Colby West, who hauled in five receptions for 76 yards. #24 Karsyn Fontenot added a 10-yard reception, while Green recorded one catch for five yards.

  Defensively, Hale recorded five total tackles and two interceptions, returning those picks for a combined 45 yards. #52 Aiden Baker led the team with 11 total tackles, including two tackles for loss. #12 Tanner Salazar recorded eight tackles and two tackles for loss, while #20 Rylan Fontenot finished with seven tackles, a tackle for loss and a sack. 

  East Chambers was held scoreless in the third quarter as both teams traded possessions. The Buccaneers’ defense continued to force Buna into a fourth-down situation and a punt, while the East Chambers offense worked to control the clock.

  Buna finally broke through with 21 seconds remaining in the game, scoring its only touchdown of the night. The Cougars’ late score made the final East Chambers 35, Buna 7.

  The Buccaneers will have a bye week before returning to District action on Friday, October 9th. East Chambers will host the Orangefield Bobcats for the Pink Out game, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 pm.