Buchholz Shines In Win Against Vanguard

After four consecutive blowout wins to start the high school football season, the Buchholz Bobcats made it five in a row Friday with a 30-10 victory against previously unbeaten Vanguard Knights at Citizens Field.

The Bobcats bounced back from a competitive first half, leading just 10-7 at intermission, to stifle the Knights (4-1) in the second half.

Buchholz recovers from early mistake to gain momentum

Buchholz committed an error early when sophomore quarterback Trace Johnson threw an interception on the opening drive. Johntavous Davenport made the pick for the Knights and returned it to the Bobcat 3.

Vanguard capitalized from there when senior QB Fred Gaskin running for the TD for a 7-0 lead after Jaxson Lee’s extra-point kick.

On its next drive, Buchholz answered with a series of productive runs by senior running back Quinton Cutler. The drive led to a 40-yard field goal that cut its deficit to 7-3 at the end of the quarter.

Bobcats take lead

Both offenses struggled throughout the first half, but a stop by the Bobcats forced a turnover on downs by Vanguard just 10 yards from the end zone. Vanguard’s field-goal attempt failed.

Later in the quarter following a Knight punt, Johnson made the most of the field position, slinging a touchdown pass to sophomore wide receiver Dj Hicks to give the Bobcats a 10-7 lead as halftime hit. 

Bobcats take control

Vanguard started the second half with a drive deep into Buchholz territory, inspired by Gaskin’s runs. 

The Knights settled for a field goal on the drive to even the score at 10-10.

Once Buchholz received the ball for its first drive of the half, it never looked back.

After Cutler made a big run into Vanguard territory, Johnson threw for another touchdown, this time to sophomore receiver Justin Williams that gave the Bobcats a 17-10 advantage.

After forcing Vanguard to punt, Buchholz fed Cutler with a series of carries that once again drove the Bobcats close to the end zone. Buchholz did not waste the opportunity, giving running back Myles Graham a chance to run the ball in for a touchdown.

At 24-10 midway through the final period, the game was all but won for the Bobcats. 

Buchholz added two field goals before the final whistle to settle the final margin.

Up Next

Buchholz now turns its attention to city rival Gainesville High (1-4) for a 7 p.m. game Thursday at Citizens Field.