The Grand Haven Bucs suffered a frustrating defeat last week at the hands of their rival Reeths-Puffer. This Thursday, they reversed their fortunes in a stunning win over Traverse City West, another emerging rival. This 49-21 victory evens the Bucs record at 1-1.
It was a full-on pillage by the Buccaneers offense at the beginning of this game. Xzavier Rodriguez was the catalyst of this attack, as he was a part of all three Grand Haven touchdowns on their 21-0 start. First, he found Alex Dixon on an 18-yard toss. He followed that up with a 22-yard quarterback keeper. Finally, Rodriguez found an open Aiden Ray for a 46-yard touchdown connection. Traverse City West would respond with a kickoff return on the ensuing possession, ending the first quarter down 21-6.
The Titans drew closer with their next touchdown, but before halftime, Lance Poole carried the football two yards for a score. Grand Haven would take a 28-14 lead into the locker room.
In the third quarter, Grand Haven’s offense scored three more touchdowns to blow this game wide open. Again, it was Xzavier Rodriguez who was the driving force. He rushed for two touchdowns, runs of 9 and 47 yards respectively. His passing score in the second half was a 17-yard strike to William Korenstra.
Now 1-1 on the season, Grand Haven will begin OK Red play next week. They will take on the East Kentwood Falcons. Traverse City West slides to 1-1 on the season. They will play their first game in the Saginaw Valley League, as they face Bay City Western.
