Air attack grounds Bucks as Vikes win opener, 46-13

HELD DOWN Roscommon running back Robert Clement (42) is held down as he tries to take off against a bevy of Grayling defenders including Weston Willoughby (64), Matt Haight (40), Andy Wyman (80) and Tyler Steffey (84). Clement finished the game as the Bucks' leading rusher with 88 yards. (Photo by Thomas Reznich) Grayling's high-powered offense rolled at Roscommon Aug. 28 as the visiting Vikings beat the Bucks, 46-13.

Grayling senior quarterback Jimmy Osga stole the show with over 300 yards passing and three touchdown throws.

"Grayling's QB did an exceptional job in running their offense and put a lot of stress on our defense as he threw for over 300 yards (three touchdowns) and rushed for over 30 yards (one touchdown)," Buck Coach Don McKindles said.

The Bucks were able to score twice on the Vikings, one on a 47-yard run by quarterback Nate Jernigan and another on a two-yard run by Zach Willis. The Bucks were led offensively by Robert Clement who had 22 carries for 88 yards while Willis finished with 58 yards on 15 carries and Jernigan had 53 yards on nine carries.

ZEROING IN Roscommon defenders Preston Geers (2), Jimmy Frye (21) and Doug Becker (22) team up to make the stop on Grayling wide receiver Cody Myers (86). (Photos by Thomas Reznich) Jernigan passed for 33 yards on 3-for- 14 completions with two interceptions. Jimmy Frye had one catch for 16 yards while Presto Geers had two catches for 17 yards. The Bucks had five fumbles, losing three of them.

"We didn't execute as well as we hoped to on either side of the ball," McKindles said. "The little things, such as hanging on to the football, making correct reads and simple assignments were not taken care of Thursday night."

Defensive, Frye led the Bucks with seven tackles followed by Geers and Joel Neorr with five apiece, Kevin Viguilla with four and Clement with three. Sean Long and Steven Rondo both had sacks while Jernigan had both an interception and a fumble recovery and Clement had an interception.

The Bucks will host Hudsonville Unity Christian Saturday at 5 p.m. The varsity contest will follow a 2 p.m. junior varsity game. The Crusaders lost their opening contest to Allendale 34- 14.

"We need to learn from our mistakes and get ready to play this Saturday," McKindles said. "We will get better."