Jets upset Bucks second year in a row

Heath Burchfield (7) surveys field before firing the ball down the field.

By Charley Gaines

For the Record

MADISON – A surprise win in the top 10!

Almost one year exactly after the James Clemens football team beat the undefeated Buckhorn Bucks at the Bucks’ homecoming, the Jets pull another surprise from their back pocket. The Jets upset the undefeated Bucks 23-7 at the Madison City Schools Stadium on Sept. 17.

James Clemens came out strong in the first quarter and sustained that energy throughout the entire game. The first seven on the board came with senior quarterback Heath Burchfield (7) making a short run into the end zone with 7:39 left in the first, but they didn’t stop there. James Clemens got two more touchdowns at the top of the game, establishing a solid lead they kept throughout their win.

It was strides away from last week’s messy win.

“Obviously our intensity was much better, and our focus was much better and we held it for four quarters,” said head coach Wade Waldrop. “Offensively, we had a great week of practice. I think we’re very close to being a team on offense, to go win a game on offense.”

It was quick reflexes and fast feet that shut down the Bucks’ O-line. Michael Sharpley (98) had a big game with a forced fumble and an interception for the Jets in the first quarter.

“To me, this game shows how much we’ve grown in the year,” said Waldrop. “It was a struggle a year ago. I feel like we’ve grown as a program. I feel like we’re better in a lot of areas as a program.”