Bison eliminated by Newton

The Bison offense works as a unit to make way for Newcomer of the Year Jose Dominguez during the 2009 season finale. Van’Go’photos For the second year in a row, the BHS football team made the playoffs, much to the delight of Bison fans. Unfortunately, for the second year in a row, Buffalo drew Newton in their first playoff game and that team is now ranked among the top four teams in the state. On Thursday night the Bison and Eagles met at the Groveton High School stadium to duke it out and see who would advance.

BHS’s standout running back Aurelio Dominguez carried for a first down in Buffalo’s opening possession, but the drive stalled quickly and the Bison had to pu BHS Senior Andrew Houston picks up a blocker as he returns a kick-off in the Bison/Eagle playoff game. Van’Go’photo nt. BHS fans and coaches issued a collective moan, however, when Dominguez (who starts both ways) was benched with an ankle injury on a defensive play during the Eagle’s first possession.

The Eagles soared early, going 60 yards in a nine-play drive, with Jeremy Jackson scoring from 8 yards outs. Their PAT kick, however, sailed just wide to the left.

Buffalo answered with a strong drive of their own. Starting at the 30-yard-line, senior quarterback Jordan Canady carried on the first play, and on the next he scrambled until he found a receiver in Dylan Ansley at midfield. Dakota Champion found running room for another big gain for BHS. The Bison offense fought to thirdand six inside the 10-yardline, where the coaching staff sent Rigo Andrade in to set up for a field goal. Ryan Read positioned the ball, Andrade took aim and the ball cleared the goal post by inches to put the Bison on the scoreboard, 3-6 as the first quarter drew to a close.

The Eagles then mounted a march down the field and passed for their second TD to cap a 54-yard drive. A twopoint PAT was good.

Buffalo responded with another good effort. Jose’ Dominguez picked up a first down and Canady scrambled for another. On third down, a half-back pass failed to connect and Dominic Jackson again had to punt for BHS. The Eagles collected the ball at the 33 and scored in four plays, A successful PAT kick increased their lead to 18. Senior Rigo Andrade’s field goal put three points on the scoreboard for the Bison. Van’Go’photo

The teams traded punts and BHS geared up for their final possession of the first half. Champion picked up a big gain on the ground and Canady went to the air several times, but the clock ran out to end their scoring threat. Buffalo went into the locker room trailing 3-21.

Newton’s defenders cranked things up a notch in the second half and were able to smother the Bison offense.

Buffalo’s defense enjoyed some shining moments in the second half, led by BHS seniors Daniel Vazquez, Jared Hawthorne, Ansley and Andrade, along with junior Jacob Rodell. Andrade recovered a fumble in the end zone to forestall one Newton score, and Ansley tripped up the Eagle quarterback behind the line of scrimmage for a loss. Still, the Eagles managed two third-quarter touchdowns and found paydirt again early in the fourth period for a 40-3 victory to advance in the state playoffs and end the Bison’s ‘09 season.

In the season finale, Canady carried 16 times for 75 yards rushing and connected on 2 of 9 passes for 23 yards through the air. Other stats for the game: Champion rushed 4 times for 50 yards; Jose Dominguez carried 12 times for 46 yards; Dominic Jackson carried 4 times for 9 yards; Aaron Bell had 5 carries for 21 yards and caught one pass for 5 yards; Aurelio Dominguez had 4 carries for 15 yards in the Bison’s first possession; Dylan Ansley caught one pass for 14 yards and Daniel Vazquez carried once for 5 yards. Andrew Houston picked up good yards on kickoff returns.

BHS Head Coach Mark Read expressed his pride in this year’s team, stating, “With back to back playoff appearances, these seniors should be proud of what they have accomplished. I am very proud of them and the rest of the team.”

Fans take note: Space here is limited, but more photos will be posted in the on-line version of these articles later in the week! Check it out: leoncountytoday.comBison fans get into the action -- pictured here celebrating a big gain by senior Dylan Ansley.