Tonkawa’s much-improved 2020 season (5-5 a year ago), came to an end in the third round of the playoff at fourth-ranked Thomas Friday night.
The Terriers prevailed 44-8.
This year’s very young team already has Buc football fanatics hungry for the 2021 start with expectations high and a bevy of returning starters.
When Thomas took the opening play of the ball game for a 72 yard run and a touchdown, folks knew the Bucs were going to be in for the long haul.
What they didn’t know, however, was the Bucs would lose their starting quarterback and tailback in the first quarter.
On top of the other injuries Tonkawa has endured over the season -- five starters lost with season ending injuries -- it was just too much to overcome.
The fourth ranked Terriers used a blocked punt and two fumble recoveries to build a 37-0 halftime lead on their way to the 44-8 win over the Bucs.
Tonkawa didn’t score until midway of the final period, when the Bucs drove 60 yards in 6 plays -- all behind the running of reserve freshman tailback Peyton Keith.
Keith scored from six yards out on the sixth play of the drive. He also ran across the two point conversion.
Tonkawa ends the year with 9 wins and 3 losses, finishing second in District A-3 and ranked ninth statewide.
The biggest loss will be seniors Gabe Summers, Tristan Burdick, Clay Massey, Dalton Harris, Carson Robinson, Nathan Anderson and Fireshaker Davis.
Robinson was lost for the year at the Watonga game, the fifth game of the season. Massey and Davis were lost for the year against Dibble, the second playoff game.
Burdick, who becomes the second all-time rusher in Tonkawa football history with 2,397 yards on 304 carries and 26 touchdowns, left the game early as well with a shoulder injury. Buc Head Coach Mike Kirtley posted the following statement after the game:
“Buc fans. We’re certainly not disappointed in our team. We fought hard and endured much. We’re so fortunate to have the support of this school and this community The send off was outstanding! The last three home games were unforgettable! This was a season marred by not only a pandemic; but an unyielding injury bug.
“That being said one of the most exciting seasons that I’ve enjoyed being part of!
“The harder you work the harder it is to surrender; and for this team it’s extremely hard to call it a year. My love for ...
