By Brad Hallier
Nobody for the Buhler football team, particularly coach Steve Warner, left the field Friday at Andover Central pumping their fists.
Losing isn’t in Buhler’s DNA, especially Warner, who experienced his first losing season as a coach last fall. Thus, Friday’s 20-14 loss to the Jaguars wasn’t really cause for celebration.
However, there is no disputing that Buhler appears primed for a strong season.
Buhler outgained Andover Central, with 357 yards to 282 for Andover Central. And twice in the fourth quarter, Buhler had the ball with the chance to take the lead. The Crusaders just fell a little short against a team that often contends for a spot in the Class 4A state championship game.
The game didn’t start well for Buhler. A long touchdown pass from Jace Jefferson to Brandt Stupka gave Andover Central an early lead, and a late second-quarter field goal made it a 10-0 game at halftime.
But Buhler started the second half strong, and Mitchell McDaniel capped a nine-play, 80-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run.
Andover Central scored the next 10 points, but Jeffrey Neill cut the Buhler deficit to 20-14 with an 8-yard touchdown run.
Buhler finished with 220 yards rushing. The Crusaders will play next week at Circle.
