EC Buccaneers Hold Off Hardin, 20-14, in Nail-Biter

By Sharisa Nelson, Sports Reporter

The East Chambers Buccaneers remained undefeated on the season Friday night, September 18th, earning a hard-fought 20-14 victory over the Hardin Hornets in a game that came down to the final defensive stand.

The Buccaneers and Hornets battled to a 14-14 tie through the first half before East Chambers found the end zone in the fourth quarter to take the lead. From there, the Buccaneers’ defense held strong as Hardin mounted a late drive, with East Chambers making the final tackle to secure the victory.

Hardin opened the scoring with a touchdown late in the first quarter, but the Buccaneers answered quickly. RB #0  Earius Ceasar broke loose for a 68-yard touchdown run with 2:33 remaining in the opening quarter, tying the game at 7-7.

The Hornets regained the lead in the second quarter, but East Chambers answered again. Senior WR #12 Tanner Salazar delivered a big play with a 61-yard touchdown run with 5:54 left in the first half. Junior Kicker #8 Adan Garcia added the extra point to tie the game at 14-14.

The Buccaneers’ defense came up with a critical play just before halftime when Sophomore DL #60 Dyllan Chavez intercepted a Hardin pass at the East Chambers 11-yard line with 18 seconds remaining in the half, sending the teams into the locker room tied 14-14.

Neither team scored in the third quarter, but East Chambers continued to battle offensively. RB $0 Earius Ceasar provided a spark with a big run that moved the Buccaneers out from their own goal-line area and helped set up the late-game scoring opportunity.

In the fourth quarter, Senior QB #13 Brycen Wells connected with Senior WR #2 Colby West for a touchdown, giving the Buccaneers a 20-14 advantage. The extra point attempt was unsuccessful, leaving Hardin within one score.

The Hornets threatened late, but the Buccaneers’ defense refused to break. East Chambers recorded 130 total tackles, led by LB #12 Tanner Salazar with 21, while DB #1 KJ Fontenot and DB #5 Rashard Hale each recorded 14 tackles. DL #10 Darius Edmonson added 12, and DL #52 Aiden Baker finished with 13.

Offensively, RB #0 Earius Ceasar led the rushing attack with 98 yards and a touchdown on seven carries. QB #13 Brycen Wells completed 2-of-4 passes for 107 yards and two touchdowns, with #2 Colby West recording 48 receiving yards and a touchdown and #12 Tanner Salazar adding 59 receiving yards and a touchdown.

The victory moves East Chambers to 4-0 on the season as the Buccaneers prepare to enter district play.

The Buccaneers will travel to Buna on Friday, September 25th, to take on the Cougars in their first game of district competition.