Last Friday, Red Lion Christian Academy traveled to Briggs Stadium to battle the Buccaneers. While Red Lion had a 3-2 record compared to Milford’s 2-3, the two teams could not have looked more different. It would all start on the opening possession of the game, with Milford fumbling the ball deep inside their own territory. The visiting Lions would take just three plays to travel 30 yards with senior running back Judah Baker capping off the drive with a one-yard scamper into the end zone.
With Milford playing backup senior quarterback Rahlier Rankin who was forced to start due to the absence of fellow senior Cayden Jarrett, the Buccaneer offense faced tough sledding against the stout Lion defense all game long. While Milford was able to move the ball at times, they rarely seemed to get into a rhythm at any point in the game.
“It was tough for us to get things going tonight. That is on us as a team, coaches included. We have to do a better job of getting the team ready to play, and we will.” Coach Rod Milstead stated.
Besides Red Lion controlling the flow of the game, Milford failed to help themselves at times, as once again Milford committed silly penalties which did nothing to help. Multiple unsportsmanlike penalties were called against the Buccaneers, in a game which saw constant jawing between the two squads.
“Once again, that is on us as a team. We have to coach better, we have to teach better, and we have to learn better. As I have said before, this is not going to be an overnight process, we are going to build it week by week, play by play. There is no magic potion, it comes down to the hard work of everyone to make things work.” Milstead said.
With the loss, Milford dropped to 2-4 on the season. While their next game is a non-district game, the contest will probably be Milford’s toughest challenge of the season. On Friday the Bucs will host Lake Forest, boasting a 6-0 record. The annual “Battle of The Bell” match-up will also be Milford’s annual Homecoming Game. Milstead understands the crowd will be boisterous and understands the challenge that Lake presents.
“We know that it is going to be tough. Although I have never been a part of it, I have been learning how much this game means to both towns. There is a lot we have to try and clean up before we face Lake. We are going to do our best to get better at everything before Friday as we continue to try and build this team.”
The Friday kick-off is set for 7 PM.
