Written by Kevin Eichman
Milford lost to Sussex Tech on Friday night.
The Milford Buccaneers head to Sussex Tech on Friday night short-handed for both Senior Night and the final game in Tech Stadium’s history. The team fought hard and took an early lead, but was ultimately exhausted by Tech’s relentless running attack and big plays, losing 34-27.
Milford is the starting quarterback, with junior Kayden Jarrett out with an injury. The Buccaneers turned to fellow junior Larrie Rankin. Milford adjusted its offense to optimize Rankin’s different skill sets by shifting him from under center and utilizing his talents from pistol and shotgun formations.
Tech turned the ball over on its first three possessions of the game, including the first play from scrimmage. Milford was unable to capitalize on getting the ball at the Tech 30 as Rankin was picked off in the end zone.
Tech started at its own 20-yard line and geared up its running game. Tech ran into Milford’s territory with a big play, but the defense recovered Tech’s fumble at its own 20-yard line and finally made the play a success.
Milford would get several first downs on the ensuing possession, but would ultimately be forced to punt. With 3:29 left in the first quarter, Tech again turned the ball over at its own 36. Sophomore running back Andrew Sivels stole the ball from 10 yards to go, and Milford’s offense began to find its footing. The failed two-point conversion gave Milford a 6-0 lead with 1:26 left in the first quarter.
Milford forced another turnover on the ensuing kickoff, but Rankin again made a successful interception in the end zone. Tech moved the ball a bit, but Milford’s defense kept it at midfield and Tech punted.
Starting in the shadow of the No. 15 end zone, the Buccaneers quickly scored on a 73-yard touchdown run by Sivers, who stole the ball on the left sideline and never looked back. Milford’s two-point attempt missed, but the Bucs led 12-0 with 7:26 left in the second quarter.
Tech responded, and this time there will be no mistakes that will save Milford’s defense. Play after play, Tech drove the ball into Milford territory and senior running back Isaiah Jones capped off an 80-yard drive with an 11-yard touchdown run with 2:26 left in the first half. The extra point attempt failed and the score remained 12-6 going into halftime.
As Milford started the second half at its own 25-yard line, the offense looked ready to take control. With Sibels running and Rankin getting more and more comfortable in the passing game, it will be Rankin who will find senior Amare Adams from 11 yards out to close out the drive. A successful two-point conversion would give Milford a 20-6 advantage with 6:26 left in the third quarter.
Technicians wasted little time setting up shop on their own 45-yard line. One play later, senior Kyle Thompson burst through the middle of the Milford defense and ran 55 yards for a touchdown, and Tech cut Milford’s advantage to 20-13 with 6:12 left in the third quarter.
Milford went 3-and-out and things got even worse. Thompson returned the punt 65 yards deep in Milford territory. Tech’s running game continued to slow down, and Jones scored from 1 yard out with 3:34 left in the third quarter to tie the score at 20.
Milford’s final big play of the game was an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Milford sophomore Tyjae Perry. The successful extra point would allow Milford to regain the lead at 27-20, but it would be the last time Milford would reach the end zone.
Facing a tired Milford defense, Tech stole the ball at its own 20 and drove 80 yards, with Jones scoring from 11 yards out. Tech got two and scored, giving them a 28-27 advantage.
Then the Tech defense took over. With time running out and Tech driving the ball again, Milford, hoping to give its offense one last chance, decided to allow a score with 2:11 left. Trailing 34-27 and needing to throw the ball, Rankin threw an interception to end the game.
Milford coach Jed Bell expressed pride in his team’s effort after the game.
“We basically put in a new offense in three days this week and it worked,” he said. “What was really important was that our players never gave up tonight. They had every chance to quit and they didn’t. Our difficulty in stopping the run contributed to the game. It caused us some damage. But I believe this is a game we can grow from.”
Milford (4-4) will play Del Mar (7-1) on Senior Night this Friday. Game time is 7pm.
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