This past Friday, the Milford Buccaneers closed out their football season with a signature win on senior night. In a season that was one of change and learning, it would be senior Rahlier Rankin who would shine brightest on the night, as he would throw for four touchdowns and record a pick-six for another as Milford defeated Polytech 45-7.
The Buccaneers controlled both sides of the line of scrimmage all game long. The only short coming was the second drive of the game as Milford would use up almost the entire first quarter pounding the ball down Tech’s throat, only to come up one foot short of the goal line. Key to the Milford running game was senior Greg Lockett. The four-year letterman plowed his way through the Panther defensive front all game, either carrying the ball or blocking for junior Andrew Sivels, Lockett was leading the way for Milford. It was a very emotional night for Lockett, who also stars on defense for the Buccaneers
“With this being my final game, there is a lot of things going to my mind,” Lockett said. “I wanted to go out a winner and with the way the team played tonight it made it very special. There are so many memories I have, but just being with the team, just practicing, games and everything that goes along with it that has made my time here so special.”
After a scoreless first quarter, Milford really kicked it into gear. As Rankin would hit sophomore Tyjere Perry with a 25-yard strike with 7:38 left in the second quarter to open the flood gates for the Buccaneers. A trick play on the extra point would hand Milford an 8-0 advantage. The Milford defense would get the Bucs the ball back right away, with Milford setting up shop deep inside their own territory. A few plays later Rankin would connect with junior Andrew Sivels on a 65-yard touchdown pass for the games second score. Sivels, who will be a senior next season and is already looked at as a leader was asked about the game and being a senior next season.
“It was really nice to win the last game of the season for the seniors. Knowing that I will be one next year, I have learned a lot from guys like Greg [Lockett] and all the other guys,” Sivels said. “We are going to enjoy tonight and then it’s into the weight room to get ready for next season.” Following another trick play on the extra point Milford had a 16-0 lead with under a minute to go in the first half.
While it may have looked as if the teams would head to the locker rooms with that score, Tech decided to try and score before the end of the half. The decision would turn out to be a poor one. Sophomore Tyjere Perry would intercept Tech with 39 seconds left in the half, allowing Milford to try and put up another score. Rankin wasted little time as he threw a 25-yard strike with the Buccaneers converting another two point conversion as Milford would take a 24-0 advantage entering the half.
The feast continued for Rankin as he recorded a pick six to open the third quarter and all but settling the issue for the evening. The two-year Milford player was switched to quarterback midway through the season and was thrilled to go out with a game like this.
“It was a lot of fun tonight. I was here for two years, and these guys took me in as a brother right from the start,” Rankin said. “I really had a great time tonight, this was a great way to go out.”
Milford would control the rest of the game, allowing just one touchdown for the victory. Speaking with head coach Rod Milstead about this group of seniors, the first year Milford coach had this to say:
“While I only had this group for a year, they gave so much of themselves in order to help build the program. They were asked to make sacrifices and lead at the same time. They could not have done a better job. Tonight was the proof of what their legacy will mean to Milford football. It may have taken us 10 games to get to the standard we are looking for, but it was this group of seniors that got us here. I couldn’t be more proud or happier for them.”
Milford concluded the season with a 3-7 record.
Photo gallery includes seniors on the football team, dance and cheerleading squads as well as the band.
