Buhler 21, Winfield 7
WINFIELD, Kan. – Buhler came out on top of a good old-fashioned slugfest on Friday at Winfield to improve to 4-0 in AVCTL III play. The Crusaders can capture the league title outright this week on Senior Night against McPherson.
Buhler leaned heavily on its defense in the first half, playing Winfield to a 0-0 tie at the half. The Crusaders held the Vikings to just 127 total yards of offense for the game and a minuscule 35 yards rushing.
“Our defense did a great job of running to the ball, making tackles behind the line of scrimmage,” head coach Steve Warner said.
Behind some adjustments and a gritty ground attack, Buhler finally found the end zone on the first drive of the second half. Mitchell McDaniel moved to tailback for the first time since early last season and rushed for a career best 190 yards on 27 carries.
“Mitchell ran very hard, he had a great night,” Warner said. “I was proud of the line too, the way they came and responded.”
After sitting out last week, quarterback Brendan Scripsick threw for two touchdowns in the second half and finished with 89 yards passing.
“We handled adversity, we proved that we could handle it,” Warner said. “I’m proud of our kids for fighting back.”
Scoring
Mitchell McDaniel (1)
Jacob Miller (1)
Nick Gazaway (1)
Defense
Will Hanen (17 tackles)
Cash Carson (8 tackles, 4 TFL’s)
Mitchell McDaniel (6 tackles, 1 INT)
